Messi lays his father to rest in private funeral in Rosario

Lionel Messi and his family have bid a private farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who died aged 68. The funeral was held at El Prado cemetery on the outskirts of Rosario, Santa Fe Province, under tight security and with only close family members in attendance.

The Inter Miami star arrived from the United States on a private plane late Saturday, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. They joined Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings, Matías, Rodrigo and María Sol, at the funeral.

El Prado park was closed to visitors from Sunday afternoon to ensure the family’s privacy.

Despite the private nature of the funeral, fans gathered near Rosario airport and outside the cemetery, leaving banners and messages of condolence for the Argentina captain. One message read, “Strength, Leo, we love you.”

Rosario Mayor Pablo Javkin expressed his condolences to the Messi family and said the local authorities were on standby to help ensure the family’s security and privacy.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association ordered a minute’s silence before matches across professional and youth competitions this weekend in memory of Jorge Messi. Players, coaches and referees also wore black armbands as a mark of respect.

Abanderado Grandoli, the Rosario club where Messi began his football journey, also paid tribute by sharing an old photograph of Messi with his father and teammates.

Jorge Messi died early Saturday at a hospital in Rosario after complications related to a long-term illness. He was a constant source of support for his son from Messi’s early days in Rosario to his rise to global stardom and World Cup glory.