Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to Father Who Guided His Glittering Career
Lionel Messi has traveled to Argentina to mourn the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who served as his long-time agent and mentor. The football community and teammates have expressed their condolences and support for the family during this time.
Why it matters
As one of the world's most recognizable athletes, the personal loss of a key family figure and career architect is a significant event in the global sports landscape.
Argentina football icon Lionel Messi bid farewell Sunday to his father, the global star's emotional anchor and agent since childhood who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner touched down on a private flight from Miami late on Saturday with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children and has remained surrounded by his close family since.
A private ceremony with a few teammates from the Argentine national squad is scheduled to take place at a cemetery in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario, later Sunday.
The gates of the town's El Prado cemetery displayed handwritten messages from fans -- "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and "Stay strong, Messi family" -- alongside a large floral wreath.
Messi's teammates rallied around their captain following the announcement that Jorge Messi had passed away late Friday at a clinic in Rosario.
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