Lionel Messi has traveled to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness.
According to family confirmation, Jorge Horacio Messi died on Friday night, August 8, at a medical clinic in Rosario. He was 68. Reports indicate he had spent his final months alternating between medical care and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
Jorge Messi was not only the father of the Argentine captain but also his longtime advisor and agent throughout his professional career.
Messi is expected to reunite with his family in Rosario for a private wake and farewell ceremony. The family has requested privacy during this difficult period. Tributes have followed from across football, including from the Argentine Football Association, FC Barcelona, Inter Miami CF and Newell's Old Boys, Messi's first club.
In statements, the clubs expressed condolences to Messi and his family and acknowledged Jorge Messi's role in supporting his son's career.