Messi arrives in Rosario after father Jorge dies at 68

The Story in Brief

Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on Friday at 68 following a prolonged illness. The Inter Miami and Argentina star arrived at Islas Malvinas International Airport on Saturday for a private wake with family. Jorge, who played a key role in Messi's career as his early supporter and later representative, died at a clinic in Rosario surrounded by his wife Celia and children.

Condolences have poured in from across the sporting world. Rafael Nadal posted an emotional tribute on X, saying he could not imagine Messi's pain. Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul honoured Messi during a Leagues Cup match against Monterrey by revealing a Messi No. 10 shirt after scoring. The Argentine Football Association announced a minute's silence and black armbands across all football divisions.