Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario for the first time since his father, Jorge Messi, passed away, to bid him goodbye.
The Inter Miami player was seen as he arrived in his hometown of Rosario to pay his respects to his father. The emotional homecoming follows days of news that Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 after a long illness.
Lionel Messi also missed Inter Miami's league cup match against Monterrey after the news of Jorge's death.
The return to Rosario is a very personal experience for Messi, as he is away from the limelight. Jorge was not just his father, but one of the most influential people in the soccer star's life, from Argentina to becoming one of the greatest players in soccer history.
Lionel Messi Returns to Rosario to Say Goodbye to Late Father Jorge
Messi was in Rosario to say goodbye to his father, reports accompanying images of the Argentine returning to the city said.
The look is the first time Messi has been spotted in public since the news of Jorge's death was reported. Messi has been out of the public eye during the tough times, but his return to Rosario gave fans a taste of the emotional moment.
(Photo by Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Jorge Messi was a key figure in his son's career from an early age. He was a constant presence in Lionel's youth and stayed with him as he worked his way up the ranks until he was a teenager when he joined Barcelona.
Jorge was most famous as Messi's father and mentor, but his impact was far beyond the pitch. He was always there at some of the most pivotal moments of his son's life.
Jorge Messi's Influence on Lionel's Career
Lionel Messi started his career in Rosario and eventually moved him to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Jorge was a significant part of his son's life during those changes.
The two's connection was frequently seen in significant moments of Messi's career. Jorge was frequently spotted with his son at awards shows, matches, and other significant events.
For now, it's all about Messi and his family as they bid farewell to Jorge Messi and pay tribute to his contribution to his son's rise to the pinnacle of the soccer world.
