Messi Returns to Rosario to Say Final Goodbye to His Father

Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario to bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a long and severe illness.

According to Argentine publication Infobae, the 39-year-old forward landed at Rosario's airport on Saturday around 8:45 PM with his family on a private jet. Due to his father's death, the Argentine star did not participate in the match between Inter Miami and Mexican team Monterrey for the Leagues Cup.

Jorge Messi died on Friday night in one of Rosario's clinics. While the precise diagnosis of his illness has not been disclosed, it is known that he was under constant medical supervision in recent times.

The farewell ceremony at El Prado cemetery will be strictly private, attended only by the closest relatives. “Everything will take place in a closed atmosphere where the main focus is respect for the Messi family. No football officials or leaders from Rosario will attend,” said Feinman on his social media page.

The Argentine Football Association has officially expressed condolences to the Messi family. In memory of Jorge, all matches in Argentine football’s divisions will commence with a minute of silence, and flags will remain at half-mast until August 14.

News about his father's declining health emerged during the 2026 World Cup. After winning 3-0 against Algeria in the first round of the group stage, where Messi scored a hat trick, he admitted that he couldn't hold back tears after his first goal, as he had experienced emotionally heavy days preceding the match.

Following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the final of World Cup 2026, Lionel immediately returned to Rosario to spend time with his family and father. Jorge Messi was born in 1958 and worked for many years in a steel mill before dedicating his life entirely to his son's career. He was not only a father to Lionel but also his first agent, advisor, and the main architect of his remarkable career.

He was the one who noticed his 4-year-old son’s talent, took him to the Newell's Old Boys academy, and later fought tirelessly for the expensive treatment for growth hormone deficiency, eventually facilitating the family's historic move to Barcelona. Throughout his life, Jorge managed his son's career and administrative matters, allowing the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to focus solely on football.