Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to Late Father Jorge Messi

The football world mourns the loss of Jorge Messi, a man who dedicated his life to his son's football career. Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, bid farewell to his father on Sunday in a private ceremony in the town of Perez, near Rosario.

Jorge Messi was more than just a father; he was Lionel's first coach and agent. He left behind his job in Rosario to settle in Spain with Lionel in 2000, when Barcelona invited the young prodigy to continue his treatment for a growth hormone deficiency. Jorge managed youth teams at the small local club Grandoli, where he introduced Lionel to the game aged four on vacant lots where local kids played.

Lionel, 39, has been going through a tough period. He burst into tears after scoring against Algeria, and revealed that he was dealing with 'a situation outside of sports'. He later acknowledged that he had gone through difficult days, but was grateful to his teammates and the delegation for their support.

Jorge's unusual absence from the World Cup in June had already sparked attention. Messi's family asked the media for 'humanity' during the tournament, amid persistent rumours over Jorge's health. Messi's teammates rallied around him after the announcement of his father's passing, with midfielder Leandro Paredes saying that the team will support Messi through this difficult time.

The Argentine Football Association has ordered a minute of silence before matches and black armbands to be worn at games across all age groups for the week. Messages of sympathy have poured in from the football world, including from the clubs Messi played for and the Spanish Football Federation.

The cause of death was not disclosed, but local media reported that Jorge had been suffering from cancer. His legacy will live on in Lionel's heart, and in the countless fans who were inspired by his dedication to his son's football career.

A private ceremony with a few teammates from the Argentine national squad will take place at a cemetery in Perez, adjacent to Rosario. The gates of the town's El Prado cemetery displayed handwritten messages from fans, alongside a large floral wreath.

Rodrigo de Paul, midfielder and close friend of Messi's, paid tribute to his friend by taking off his shirt to reveal Messi's number 10 jersey after scoring a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in Miami on Saturday.