Lionel Messi Returns to Rosario with Wife Antonela Roccuzzo and Sons After His Father Jorge’s Death (Watch Video)

Lionel Messi, the esteemed captain of Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, arrived back in his native Rosario on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to mourn the passing of his father, Jorge Horacio Messi. Jorge Messi, a pivotal figure in his son's legendary career, died on Friday, August 7, at the age of 68 after battling a prolonged illness. Rodrigo De Paul Pays Emotional Tribute To Lionel Messi After Father Jorge's Death (Watch Video).

Lionel Messi Returns to Rosario With Family

Lionel Messi llegó con Antonela Roccuzzo y sus hijos Thiago, Mateo y Ciro Messi para despedir a su padre. Jorge Messi falleció a los 68 años por complicaciones en una enfermedad que batallaba hace meses, el sábado 8 de agosto en Rosario. #lionelmessi #messi #leomessi #fuerzasleo pic.twitter.com/d3wjf3eiSV

— Naiara Vecchio ♔ (@NaiVecchio) August 9, 2026

The news of Jorge Messi's death prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the global football community, with clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Newell's Old Boys expressing their sympathy for the Messi family. Lionel Messi, 39, departed from Fort Lauderdale on Saturday morning local time, arriving in Rosario shortly after 8:00 PM, having been granted compassionate leave by his club, Inter Miami.

A Life Dedicated to His Son's Dream

Jorge Messi was much more than just a father; he was the foundational architect of Lionel's career, serving as his longtime representative and guiding his early move to Barcelona. His unwavering support was instrumental, especially during Lionel's formative years, including the crucial decision to travel to Barcelona in 2000 when Lionel was 13, to seek treatment for a growth hormone deficiency and pursue his footballing dreams.

Concerns about Jorge Messi's health had become publicly known during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after scoring during Argentina's opening match against Algeria, later stating that his tears stemmed from "difficult and complicated days" unrelated to soccer. The family had previously issued a statement during the World Cup, confirming Jorge was undergoing medical treatment and requesting privacy amidst speculation.

Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia María Cuccittini, and their four children: Rodrigo, Matías, Lionel, and María Sol. Lionel Messi was accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, as he returned home to be with his grieving family. Lionel Messi's Father Jorge Messi Passes Away After Prolonged Battle With Illness.

Inter Miami's Leagues Cup Challenge

In Messi's absence, Inter Miami faced a crucial 2026 Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Miami Freedom Park. The Herons ultimately fell to a 2-1 defeat, with teams observing a minute of silence before the match in tribute to Jorge Messi. The loss comes after Messi had just returned to action for Inter Miami following the 2026 World Cup, scoring twice and assisting once in a 4-2 Leagues Cup opener against Atlético de San Luis.

Inter Miami has stated that there is no rush for their captain to return to action, allowing him ample time to be with his family during this incredibly difficult period. The funeral services for Jorge Messi are being held privately, with his remains expected to be transferred to the El Prado private cemetery in Perez, near Rosario, on Sunday.

This period marks a profoundly challenging time for Lionel Messi and his family as they navigate their loss, with the football world extending its deepest sympathies and respect for their privacy.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 09, 2026 11:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).