Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had been in a serious condition for some time, and he understood that a moment of grief could come at any time. Therefore, immediately after the World Cup ended, Messi chose to return directly to Rosario instead of traveling with his teammates. This decision displeased some fans, but at that time, Leo was simply a son wanting to be with his father.
Messi spent time with his family, attending a game of Leones, the team owned by his younger brother Matías, before returning to Inter Miami to continue his familiar routine – playing, scoring, and winning. On the evening of August 8th (US time), Messi was scheduled to play in the match against Rayados Monterrey. However, the terrible news he never wanted to hear arrived. At midday on August 8th in Miami, Messi immediately boarded a private plane to return to Argentina. Around 8:30 PM, he landed in his homeland, beginning the most painful journey of his life.
Messi and his wife flew back to their hometown on a private jet to bid farewell to the recently deceased Jorge Messi (Photo: Tomas Cuesta).
Messi returned home to be with his mother and family.
Just a day before, Messi had been at a game with his children. He chatted with everyone, maintaining his usual approachable and friendly demeanor. But in just a few hours, his life had completely changed.
The journey from Fort Lauderdale to Rosario was no longer just a player returning to play or rest. It was a trip for Messi and his loved ones to confront the pain of losing the father who had been by his side for almost his entire life.
Jorge Messi is not only Leo’s father but also one of the most important pillars in his journey. He was by Messi’s side during his years in Spain, accompanying his son from the early days of his professional football career, before Leo moved to Paris and then Miami. For Messi, Jorge is both a father, a manager, and a pillar of support behind his career.
Messi is famous for always dedicating moments of his goal celebrations to remember his grandmother – a woman who had a special influence on his childhood and his love of football. But this time, Leo returned to Rosario not to celebrate a victory.
He returned to say goodbye to his father, who had spent most of his life standing behind him. Accompanying Messi on the trip was Antonela Roccuzzo. Both returned to be with his mother Celia, his siblings, and other family members during this most difficult time. Although Jorge Messi’s death was somewhat anticipated after a long battle with illness, the loss is undoubtedly a huge shock for Leo.
