Messi bids adieu to his father

Lionel Messi bid a last farewell to his father under a strict security cordon. His family members were present alongside him. At the 'El Prado' private cemetery, located in the Santa Fe suburb of Rosario, Messi said goodbye to 68-year-old Jorge.

Jorge passed away last Saturday at a clinic in Rosario after a long battle with illness. Upon hearing the news, Messi, along with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children, traveled from the United States to Rosario on a private plane on Saturday night.

Messi joined his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings—Matías, Rodrigo, and María Sol—at his father's funeral. To ensure extra privacy for the Messi family, the 'El Prado' cemetery was closed to visitors from noon onward.

Nevertheless, fans gathered outside the cemetery to share in Messi's grief. Banners reading "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" were also seen at the Rosario airport and near the cemetery.

The Argentine Football Association and the coaching staff of the Argentina national team also sent condolence messages and floral wreaths.

The mayor of Rosario, Pablo Javkin, expressed his deep condolences to Messi's family for their loss. He stated that the local government was fully prepared to ensure the security of the funeral ceremony.

Following the directives of the Argentine Football Association, a minute of silence was observed before all professional and youth category matches this week in memory of Jorge, and players, coaching staff, and referees were required to wear black armbands.