The Funeral, Attended by Messi, His Wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and Close Family and Friends, Was Held Under Heavy Security and Great Secrecy

Lionel Messi has bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68. According to Argentine media, Jorge Messi was laid to rest in a private family ceremony at El Prado Cemetery in the town of Perez, near Rosario, Argentina. The funeral, attended by Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and close family and friends, was held under heavy security and great secrecy. Journalists, police, and fans gathered around the cemetery, with many supporters bringing gifts to honor the man who played a significant role in Messi's life and career as both a father and his manager.

While the family has not released a statement on the cause of death, Argentina's Clarin newspaper reported that Jorge Messi had been undergoing cancer treatment and had been hospitalized for several months, including during the 2026 World Cup. The elder Messi's health had come into focus during the tournament when the star broke down in tears after scoring a goal against Algeria, with the emotional moment linked to his father's illness. In contrast to the intense affection Argentines hold for Messi, the crowd around the cemetery remained quite limited. Meanwhile, Messi's childhood home in Rosario, located 300 kilometers north of the capital Buenos Aires, has been transformed into a memorial site, adorned with Argentine flags and messages of support as fans left gifts, letters, banners, and flowers at its door.