Lionel Messi Returns to Rosario Following Father Jorge Messi's Death

Lionel Messi travelled from Miami to Rosario on Saturday following the death of his father Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68 after a prolonged illness. Jorge died Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, surrounded by his wife Celia and children. Messi arrived at Islas Malvinas International Airport to be with family during a private wake.

Jorge played a crucial role in Messi's football career, supporting him from early years and later serving as his representative. Messi has spoken about regularly seeking his father's views on his match performances. The football world has rallied around Messi, with Barcelona, Newell's Old Boys, and the Argentine Football Association expressing condolences. A minute's silence will be observed across Argentine football divisions, with players and officials wearing black armbands in Jorge's memory.