Messi Bids Private Farewell to Father Jorge

The intimate service took place at the private El Prado cemetery on the outskirts of Rosario, Argentina, under tight security that kept the moment shielded from public view. The Inter Miami star arrived the previous night with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children on a private flight from the United States, reuniting with his mother Celia Cuccittini and siblings Matías, Rodrigo, and María Sol.

To protect the family’s privacy, the cemetery remained closed to visitors from midday onward while a significant security presence surrounded the grounds. Despite the restricted access, supporters made their way to both Rosario airport and the cemetery gates, leaving handwritten messages of encouragement. One sign attached to the fence simply read, “Stay strong Leo, we love you,” reflecting the affection felt by fans during the difficult time.

Rosario mayor Pablo Javkin publicly offered his condolences and confirmed that local authorities had made resources available to help safeguard the ceremony. Across the country, the Argentine Football Association instructed that every professional and youth match that weekend begin with a minute of silence in Jorge’s honor. Players, coaches, and referees also wore black armbands as a visible mark of respect.

The neighborhood club Abanderado Grandoli, where a young Lionel first learned to play at the age of four, shared a warm tribute online. The club recalled that Jorge had once coached there and been part of its early story, posting an old team photograph alongside the words, “We send you a big hug, Leo. Thank you, Jorge, for being part of our history.”

Jorge Messi had been hospitalized at the Sanatorio Centro de Rosario and passed away in the early hours of Saturday after complications from a long illness. The private funeral marked a quiet, family-centered close to a life that had long supported one of football’s greatest careers.