Messi stays with family in Rosario following private farewell to Jorge

Lionel Messi has postponed his return to the United States after spending additional time with his family following a private farewell to his father, Jorge, near Rosario.

The Inter Miami forward and Argentina captain arrived in his homeland late on Saturday and remained overnight at El Prado cemetery in Perez, where his father was laid to rest. He did not leave the cemetery until Sunday afternoon.

Messi later travelled to the family home in a gated residential complex in Funes, where the family has lived for several years. His decision to delay his return meant he could spend a few more hours with relatives after the funeral ceremony.

According to Argentine website Infobae, the arrangements were conducted with an unusual level of secrecy for a public figure of Messi’s stature. Almost no information emerged about his arrival or the ceremony.

The chartered aircraft carrying Messi departed from Fort Lauderdale at midday on Saturday, 8 August 11, 2026, before landing at Fisherton’s Malvinas Islands International Airport. Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children then travelled directly to the Perez cemetery, where they were joined by his siblings and other close relatives.

The farewell took place behind closed doors, with only a small number of onlookers present. Children left several keepsakes as expressions of affection, while wreaths sent by the Argentine Football Association and the Argentina national team coaching staff were also seen at the cemetery.

When the black SUV carrying the Messi family entered the grounds, one visitor called out: “Stay strong, Leo!” The same message appeared on a banner attached to the cemetery’s side gates.

The cold winter evening in Rosario helped clear the area and added to the quiet atmosphere. The ceremony ended without significant public displays, as the city offered its condolences while respecting the privacy the family had requested.

Activity returned to El Prado shortly after 08:00 on Sunday, amid speculation that Messi and his family would fly back to the United States before midday. However, the aircraft departed empty and the family convoy was not seen at the gated residential complex until after 15:00.

The only noticeable change in the area was the presence of about a dozen journalists stationed near the entrance to the country club. Although neighbours knew where the family home was located, they chose not to approach the property to ask for photographs or disturb the family.

Jorge Messi had been suffering from an illness for several months. The condition was known only to people close to him and had not been widely publicised.

The family maintained that privacy even during the World Cup, when Lionel Messi represented Argentina. Jorge Messi cancelled a planned trip at the last minute because of his health, while most of the family remained with him to offer support.

The timing of Lionel Messi’s return to Inter Miami has not been confirmed in the report.