On Sunday, the world of football witnessed a poignant moment as Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine player, said goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jorge was not only a father to Messi but also his lifelong agent and emotional anchor, guiding him through the highs and lows of his illustrious career.
Messi arrived in Argentina late Saturday on a private flight from Miami, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. Since his arrival, he has been surrounded by close family members, reflecting on the profound influence his father had on his life and career.
A private ceremony is set to take place later on Sunday at a cemetery in Perez, a town adjacent to Rosario, where Jorge Messi will be laid to rest. The local community has shown immense support, with handwritten messages from fans displayed at the gates of El Prado cemetery, expressing sentiments such as “Stay strong, Leo, we love you” and “Stay strong, Messi family.”
In the wake of Jorge Messi's passing, many of Lionel's teammates from the Argentine national squad have come together to support their captain during this difficult time. Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes commented on the importance of being there for Messi, stating, “It will surely do him good for us to be there.”
Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, a close friend of Messi and his teammate at Inter Miami, is reportedly planning to travel to Argentina to pay his respects. De Paul honored Messi during a recent match by revealing a jersey with Messi's iconic number 10 after scoring a goal, a gesture that resonated deeply with fans and teammates alike.
While the exact cause of Jorge Messi's death has not been disclosed, local media have reported that he had been suffering from cancer. His absence during the recent World Cup raised concerns, prompting Messi's family to request privacy and understanding from the media amidst ongoing speculation regarding Jorge's health.
Messi himself has openly shared the emotional toll of dealing with his father's health struggles, admitting to experiencing “a situation outside of sports” during the tournament. His vulnerability was evident when he broke down in tears after scoring against Algeria, revealing the weight of his personal challenges during a time meant for celebration.
Jorge Messi played an instrumental role in shaping his son's career, having been Lionel's first coach and a guiding figure from the very beginning. A metalworker by trade, Jorge introduced Lionel to football at the tender age of four, coaching him at local clubs like Grandoli. The family's life took a significant turn in 2000 when Barcelona offered Lionel a chance to join their youth academy, where he would receive treatment for a growth hormone deficiency.
Jorge made the difficult decision to leave behind his job, his wife, and their other children to support Lionel's dream in Spain. The emotional challenges of this transition were not lost on Messi, who later reflected on their shared struggles during that time.
As Lionel Messi continues to navigate this profound loss, messages of sympathy have poured in from across the football community, with clubs and organizations expressing their condolences. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has announced a minute of silence before matches and mandated that players wear black armbands in honor of Jorge Messi throughout the week, underscoring the impact he had not only on his son but on the world of football as a whole.
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