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Argentina football star Lionel Messi has travelled to a cemetery in his hometown of Rosario to say farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who has died at 68.
Jorge died in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital in Rosario after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness in recent months.
He played a major role in Messi’s career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs.
Jorge also accompanied a young Messi to Barcelona for his trial with La Masia, helping set the foundation for a career that has brought his son eight Ballon d’Or awards and the 2022 World Cup title with Argentina.
Messi had recently spoken about facing difficult personal circumstances during this year’s World Cup.
He spent time in Argentina with his father after the tournament before returning to his club, Inter Miami, a week ago.
The Messi family had previously asked for privacy over Jorge’s health following media reports about his condition.
Several football clubs and organisations, including Real Madrid, Newell’s Old Boys, where Messi played as a youngster, and South American football governing body CONMEBOL, have expressed condolences to the family.
The Argentine Football Association also ordered a minute’s silence at matches across the country and asked players, referees and coaching staff to wear black armbands.
Inter Miami also honoured Jorge before their Leagues Cup defeat to Monterrey on Saturday, holding a minute’s silence for the father of their absent captain.
