Lionel Messi paid his final respects to his father, Jorge Messi, in a private ceremony held at El Prado Cemetery in Pérez, a short drive from Rosario, on Sunday. The event was intimate, attended only by close family members and friends.
Jorge Messi passed away early Saturday morning at 2:00 a.m. local time at Sanatorio Centro in Rosario. He was 68 and had been battling a long-term illness, the details of which the family kept private.
The Argentine soccer icon hurriedly traveled from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he lives and plays for Inter Miami. He arrived at the Rosario airport on a private jet around 8:40 p.m. on Saturday.
Upon landing, Messi was escorted by a security detail in a van to his family's home in an exclusive neighborhood of Santa Fe, where he joined his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.
The funeral service at El Prado Cemetery, located along Route 33, maintained strict access control and police presence to ensure the ceremony's privacy, concluding by midday Sunday.
Born in 1958 in Santa Fe province, Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son's career. He recognized Lionel's talent early on at the neighborhood club Grandoli and decided to move the family to Barcelona to nurture his son's development within FC Barcelona's youth ranks.
Before becoming Lionel's representative and managing the family's assets, Jorge worked as a laborer at Acindar's steel plant in Rosario.
Inter Miami granted Messi leave from the Leagues Cup match against Monterrey to attend the service, sharing an official message: "Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family."
Jorge Messi's passing prompted a wave of condolences from the soccer world. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) declared mourning across all divisions, with moments of silence, black armbands, and flags flown at half-mast.
FC Barcelona expressed gratitude for Jorge's dedication during Lionel's early and peak years, while Real Madrid offered condolences in a rare gesture of institutional support toward a rival's family.
Newell's Old Boys, River Plate, CONMEBOL, and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also sent their sympathies to the Messi family.
Jorge Messi, who was married to Celia Cuccittini, was a devoted father to four children: Rodrigo, Matías, Lionel, and María Sol, guiding them through a family journey that forever transformed global soccer.
Common Questions About Jorge Messi's Legacy and Passing
Who attended Jorge Messi's funeral?
The funeral was a private affair, attended by close family members and friends.
How did Jorge Messi influence Lionel Messi's career?
Jorge Messi was instrumental in recognizing Lionel's talent and moving the family to Barcelona to foster his development at FC Barcelona.
How did Inter Miami respond to Jorge Messi's death?
Inter Miami excused Lionel Messi from a match to attend his father's funeral and issued a heartfelt message of support.
What was Jorge Messi's profession before managing Lionel's career?
Before becoming involved in his son's career, Jorge Messi worked as a laborer at a steel factory in Rosario.