According to Argentine media reports, Messi left accompanied by his mother Celia, brothers Matias, Rodrygo, and Maria Sol, and his wife Antonella Rocuzzo. They left the scene after noon, and it is unclear when Messi will return to Miami.
Rosario was shrouded in grief. Messi bid farewell to his father here this Sunday in a private ceremony attended only by close family and friends. Jorge, who passed away at the age of 68 after a months-long battle with illness, was crucial to Messi's life and career. It was his father's influence that allowed Messi to unleash his talent, initially honed on the muddy pitches of Abandrado Grandoli. Since then, goals, championships, Ballon d'Or awards, and timeless acclaim have followed.
And that's why people here shed tears for him in every corner. The early morning was chilly, only later dispelled by the sunshine. Several supporters of the Argentine national team captain came to the vicinity of the main entrance to El Prado Cemetery to offer their support during this most difficult time of his life. The night before, Jacqueline and her two children, Giovanni and Milagros, had left a classic A4 note that read, "Go, Messi family. The whole world is with you." Another note pasted on the cemetery fence read, "Go, Leo. We love you." A wreath from the Mar del Plata hockey club Idra FC could also be seen on the fence. Most striking was a serious-looking, head bowed teenager. He arrived by bicycle, carrying another note for his idol. Traffic police accompanied him to the fence; the cemetery entrance was already cordoned off, keeping reporters outside. “My name is Lucas, I’m 15 years old, and I’m from Pérez. My home is six blocks from here. I brought a sign that says ‘Come on, Messi!’ It was a bit of a rush. I came here with my family yesterday, but there were too few people and it was dark, so I couldn’t put it up. Today I came alone, and finally I left the sign,” the boy told a reporter from the Clarín newspaper. He said something unusual for a child his age: “I came here because people like Messi bring so much joy to this country. We should support him during his most difficult times, comfort him, and tell him not to be so sad or give up. He’s an idol, one of the greatest idols I can draw strength from. He never gave up, he persevered even in his lowest moments, and ultimately won everything. So, he’s a very important role model for many people, including me.” Lucas was one of many fans who came to the scene and silently offered their congratulations before leaving.
Messi entered the cemetery through a side entrance, avoiding the media and the fans waiting outside. People were still waiting for him, hoping to continue expressing their love and support. Just seeing him like that was enough to understand the pain he was enduring: alone, his gaze fixed on the ground, hands in his pockets, he walked along the cemetery path. Shortly after noon, he and his wife, Antonella Rocuzzo, left in a black pickup truck via the same route. Antonella was also seen leaving with the comfort of family and friends. Messi's brother, Matias, also left through another exit, where federal police were on duty for security. George's eldest son, Rodrigo, left with his mother, Celia Cusitini, through the main entrance of the cemetery, located about 10 kilometers from downtown Rosario. Paredes, one of Messi's closest teammates on the Argentine national team, had stated after Boca Juniors' draw against Velez that he would accompany his captain along with several other members of the Qatar World Cup-winning team. However, they did not appear in front of television cameras or photographers.
As can be seen, the Argentine Football Association, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni, and Newell's Old Boys, a team George loved deeply, all sent wreaths. Meanwhile, a private jet parked at Fishton's Falklands International Airport is the same one that previously transported Messi, Antonella, and their three children from Miami to Rosario. According to flight tracking apps, the plane took off around 11:30 AM, with its destination unknown. Messi's decision remains uncertain. Inter Miami will continue playing next week. The team lost to Monterrey in Mexico last Saturday without him playing. This Wednesday, they will conclude their UEFA Cup group stage match, needing to defeat Leon, also from the Mexican league. Will the Argentine star stay a few more days in his hometown to be with his family during these difficult initial moments? Or will he quickly return to the pitch, back to the greatest passion he shared with his father for decades, back to the place that bound him and George together until the very last day of their lives?
