Heartbreaking images emerge of Messi attending his father's funeral in his hometown.
Messi, saddened, attended his father's funeral, with his wife embracing him closely throughout.
Lionel Messi, captain and forward of Argentina's national team, bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, at El Prado Cemetery on the outskirts of Rosario, Argentina, during a private ceremony under strict security.
Messi arrived accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo to join his mother, brother Matías, and close friends.
Meanwhile, some fans showed support for Messi outside the cemetery by placing signs with messages like "Stay strong, Messi, we love you."
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced that all professional and youth matches this weekend will observe a one-minute silence in honor of Jorge Messi, with all players, coaches, and referees wearing black armbands.
Abanderado Grandoli, the local club where Lionel Messi first learned football in Rosario, posted: "Jorge Messi is part of our history and also served as a coach at our club. Here, he stood by little Lionel’s first steps, who later made history in world football. We send warm hugs to you, Messi, and thank Jorge for being part of our history."
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, died at age 68 on 7 Aug 2026 after a long battle with chronic illness and health problems. He had been hospitalized for several months before passing away peacefully.
