3 weeks ago
Lionel Messi Attends Father Jorge Messi's Farewell Ceremony in Rosario
Something very sad happened to Lionel Messi, one of the best football players in the world.
His father, Jorge Messi, died after being sick for a long time.
Jorge was 68 years old and had spent his final months getting medical care while his family stayed close to him.
Messi flew from Miami, where he plays for Inter Miami, back to his hometown of Rosario in Argentina.
He travelled with his wife, Antonela, and their children to say goodbye to his dad.
The goodbye ceremony was private, with only family and close friends invited.
It took place at the El Prado cemetery in Perez, near Rosario, and the cemetery was closed to visitors so the family could have privacy.
After the burial, Messi and his family left under heavy security.
Football clubs like Barcelona and Newell's Old Boys sent kind messages, and football games in Argentina will have a minute of silence to remember Jorge.
Fans around the world are also sending love and support to Messi and his family.
Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, died at age 68 after a prolonged illness at a clinic/sanatorium in Rosario, Argentina.
Articles differ on the time of death: one reports early Saturday, August 8, 2026 (around 2 a.m. local), while another says Friday night.
Messi arrived at Rosario's Islas Malvinas International Airport from Miami on Saturday with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children.
A private farewell ceremony and burial, restricted to family and close friends, were held at the El Prado private cemetery in Perez, near Rosario, under heavy security.
Barcelona and Newell's Old Boys offered condolences, the Argentine Football Association planned a minute's silence and black armbands, and Rodrigo De Paul paid tribute during Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children, along with his mother Celia Cuccittini and siblings, mourning his father Jorge Messi, who died at age 68.
- What
- Jorge Messi died after a prolonged illness, followed by a private farewell ceremony and burial at the El Prado private cemetery in Perez, near Rosario.
- Where
- Rosario, Argentina, where Jorge died at a clinic/sanatorium, and the El Prado private cemetery in Perez, near Rosario.
- When
- Death was reported in the early hours of Saturday, August 8, 2026 (around 2 a.m. local) in one article and as Friday night in another; the farewell ceremony was held on Sunday morning per one report.
- Why
- Messi travelled from Miami to his hometown to be with his family and bid farewell to his father.
Key facts
- Deceased
- Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi
- Age at death
- 68
- Cause of death
- Prolonged illness
- Time of death
- Early Saturday, August 8, 2026 (around 2 a.m. local) per one report; Friday night per another
- Place of death
- Clinic/sanatorium in Rosario, Argentina
- Farewell ceremony
- El Prado private cemetery in Perez, near Rosario; restricted to family and close friends; Sunday morning per one report
- Messi's travel
- Arrived at Rosario's Islas Malvinas International Airport from Miami on Saturday; private plane reportedly departed for Miami empty
- Memorial plans
- Minute's silence across Argentina's football divisions and black armbands for players, coaches and referees
Sources
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