Final Farewell

Messi Buries Father Jorge in Argentina

The soccer legend traveled to his hometown of Rosario with his family to lay his father and longtime agent to rest following his death at 68

Gila Isaacson, Srugim

AUG 10, 2026 16:18

2 min read

Two days after the devastating news of his father's death, Lionel Messi returned to Rosario, Argentina, where he was born, to say a final goodbye. Jorge Messi, who served as both father and longtime agent to the soccer superstar, died at age 68 following an extended illness.

The private funeral ceremony took place in Funes, a town near Rosario, where Messi arrived accompanied by his immediate family. His wife Antonella Roccuzzo and their three sons joined him to pay their last respects to the family patriarch.

Outside the venue, fans gathered to show their support for the Messi family during this difficult time. Some left flowers and messages of condolence in Jorge's memory.

The Man Behind the Legend

Jorge Messi was far more than the father of one of history's greatest soccer players. For years, he served as his son's representative and was among the most influential figures shaping Lionel's career.

Before the family's move to Europe, Jorge worked at a steel factory in Rosario. In 2000, he relocated with his family to Spain after Lionel joined Barcelona's youth academy. He continued to guide and manage his son's career as Lionel became a global icon, through his years at Barcelona and later moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

"My father was always by my side," Messi once said, recalling the difficult early period in Barcelona and the joint decision between father and son to remain in Spain and continue pursuing their dream.

Jorge is survived by his wife Celia and their four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol. After years of accompanying his son through nearly every stage of his career, Messi and his family have now bid him farewell for the last time.

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