Messi returns to Rosario to bid farewell to father

Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario to bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 on Friday. The Inter Miami star travelled from the United States to Argentina after being granted leave by his club to be with his family during the difficult time.

Messi departed Fort Lauderdale on Saturday morning local time and arrived in Rosario shortly after 8:00pm. Jorge had been a constant presence throughout his son’s football journey, playing a particularly important role during Messi’s formative years and early career.

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The Argentina captain returned to his childhood city to say goodbye to the man who had stood by him from the beginning, while also supporting his mother, Celia Maria Cuccittini, and other members of the family.

Jorge’s funeral is expected to be held in a private setting, with only family members and close friends in attendance. However, scores of supporters have already gathered outside the burial site to pay their respects and offer condolences to the Messi family.

Messi’s absence was also felt by Inter Miami, who left him out of their Leagues Cup group-stage clash against Monterrey after granting him compassionate leave. The forward had been expected to start the match, but Miami went on to lose 2-1 despite taking the lead through Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi is expected to return to Miami after the funeral, although the club is in no hurry to bring him back. He will be given as much time as he needs with his family before returning to action.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world since news of Jorge’s death emerged. Messi’s former club Barcelona, fierce rivals Real Madrid, and Rosario-based clubs Rosario Central and Newell’s Old Boys were among those to express their condolences to the family.

While Jorge rarely sought the spotlight, he remained one of the most influential figures behind Messi’s extraordinary career. From supporting his son’s early footballing ambitions to helping guide his career, he remained a quiet but central presence throughout the Argentine great’s journey.

His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across the football world as Messi returns home to say goodbye to one of the most important people in his life.