The emotional moment of Lionel Messi standing quietly at the funeral of his father, Jorge, has been widely shared on social media.
Lionel Messi and his family have said their final goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68. The private funeral was held at El Prado cemetery, outside Rosario in Santa Fe Province. Strong security measures were put in place, while only close family members attended, giving them privacy during the emotional farewell.
The Inter Miami star travelled from the United States on a private plane on Saturday night with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. They joined Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, as well as his siblings Matías, Rodrigo and María Sol for the funeral. El Prado cemetery was closed to the public from Sunday afternoon to make sure the family could mourn in private.
In a photo shared across social media, Messi could be seen standing quietly alone with a sad expression. There was no image of the captain lifting a trophy or the superstar shining under the stadium lights. At that moment, Messi was simply a son saying his final goodbye to his father.
Many supporters gathered near Rosario airport and outside the cemetery to show their support. Fans left banners with messages of sympathy for the Argentina captain. One message read: “Strength, Leo, we love you”, showing the strong support Messi received during this difficult moment.
Rosario mayor Pablo Javkin also sent his condolences to Messi and his family. He said the local government was ready to provide the necessary security around the funeral and help protect the family’s privacy.
Following instructions from the Argentine Football Association, a minute of silence was held before matches across professional and youth football that weekend in memory of Jorge Messi. Players, coaching staff and referees also wore black armbands to honour the father of the Argentine superstar.
Abanderado Grandoli, the Rosario club where Messi took his first steps in football, shared an old photograph showing the young Argentine alongside his father and other children from the team. The club also posted an emotional message on social media on Saturday to remember Jorge.
Jorge Messi passed away in the early hours of Saturday after being admitted to Sanatorio Centro hospital in Rosario because of complications from a long-term illness. He leaves behind an important legacy as one of his son’s biggest supporters, helping Lionel from his earliest days playing football in Rosario to becoming a World Cup champion and one of the greatest players in football history.
