Messi arrived in Rosario and headed straight to Prado Cemetery with his entire family

According to Argentina’s Clarín, following the death of his father Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi has arrived in Rosario. He returned from the United States on a private flight and landed in Argentina at 20:44 local time on Saturday, accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons.

After leaving the plane, the family boarded a pickup truck and headed to Prado Cemetery, where they will hold a private memorial ceremony to bid farewell to Jorge. Meanwhile, in the La Bajada neighborhood, countless local residents have gathered to mourn the passing of the football legend’s father.

This modest neighborhood, filled with low-rise houses and narrow streets, is where the Messi family’s legendary story began. Today, the streets are far busier than usual, with unfamiliar vehicles bearing license plates from outside the area appearing everywhere. A mother walked through the neighborhood holding her teenage daughter’s hand. When they reached the famous old Messi family home, she tightly pressed her lips together and closed her eyes.

Before the reporter could even ask a question, the woman said: “My home is only five blocks away from here. I simply couldn’t stay away. Jorge was truly a wonderful person.”

The girl beside her had tears in her eyes and kept nodding.

Ask any local resident, and they will all talk about Jorge Messi’s irreplaceable role in Lionel Messi’s career. Carlos, an old shop owner who has run a small grocery store in the neighborhood for many years, proudly showed old photos of Messi as a child.

Back then, Jorge and his wife Celia Cuccittini endured countless difficult decisions together, facing risks and resolving various challenges, all so their son could focus entirely on football without distractions. He was not only Messi’s father and agent, but also the shield who protected him from life’s storms.

The entire city of Rosario — and indeed the whole world — understands the importance of Jorge’s contribution. Today, everyone is mourning the loss of the 68-year-old man who fought against illness for many years before passing away.

Fans gathered outside the iron gates of Messi’s childhood home, hanging banners with messages of comfort for the football icon. One banner designed like the Argentine flag carried a deeply emotional message: “Messi, at this moment, no words can ease your pain. The emptiness in your heart may be impossible to describe… Cry as much as you need, embrace your family, and cherish your memories of him. One day, when you step onto the pitch again, you will feel that he is always with you. May our beloved Jorge rest in peace…”

Beside the fence were placed a Newell’s Old Boys youth jersey, a religious image sticker of Diego Maradona from his time at Newell’s, flags sent by fans from Colombia and Peru, and even messages from supporters in Honduras.

Another Argentine banner read: “Messi, Rosario and the whole world love you. Stay strong, captain! We will always love you.”