Argentina Stars Rally Around Messi After Father’s Death

Argentina players have rallied around Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, with Leandro Paredes revealing that several members of the national team wanted to travel to Rosario to support their captain.

Jorge Messi died on August 7 at the age of 68, leaving Lionel and his family to deal with a deeply painful loss.

Before Messi arrived in Argentina, Paredes explained that he had not yet been able to speak with his captain because Messi was travelling.

“I still haven't been able to speak with Leo. I know he was travelling. We're waiting for him to arrive in the country so we can be there for him during this difficult time,” Paredes said.

The Boca Juniors midfielder added that he believed having his teammates around would help Messi because of what the Argentina captain means to them.

“I'll speak with some of my teammates now to see whether we go today or tomorrow to be with him,” Paredes said. Reports later confirmed that Paredes and other key figures from the Argentina squad planned to travel to Rosario to support Messi.

Messi eventually returned to Rosario with his family for a private funeral for Jorge. His wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children were also present.

Jorge was a major figure throughout Messi's life and career. He supported his son from his childhood in Rosario, remained closely involved after the family moved to Barcelona and later became Lionel's longtime agent.

Argentina's players have shared countless football memories with Messi, from the difficult years before winning major international trophies to the 2022 World Cup triumph.

Now, with football temporarily put aside, they have shown that their relationship with their captain extends far beyond the pitch.

Messi has spent years carrying Argentina's hopes.

This time, his teammates wanted to carry him.