Argentina footballer Lionel Messi travels home to attend his father's funeral

Football star and Argentina captain Lionel Messi travelled to El Prado cemetery in Argentina's central city of Rosario on Saturday to say farewell his father.

The 68-year-old Jorge died on in the early hours of the day at a hospital in the city after undergoing treatment in recent months for an undisclosed illness.

He played a central role in his son’s career, becoming his agent and managing his business affairs.

Jorge accompanied a young Lionel to Barcelona for his trial with La Masia, helping launch a career that would include eight Ballon d’Or awards and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title.

Carlos Ibañez, who owns of a kiosk near the family’s old home, said Messi’s father was “an excellent person”.

“Jorge sacrificed a lot for the family. Imagine that he worked many hours. He always worked outside and made many sacrifices for all of this,” he said.

The news of his death comes after Messi had spoken about going through difficult personal circumstances during this year’s World Cup.

The footballer spent time in Argentina with his father after the tournament before rejoining his club Inter Miami a week ago.

His family had asked for privacy regarding Jorge’s health after media reports about his condition.

Several clubs, including Real Madrid and Newell's Old Boys where Lionel played as a youngster, along with the South American soccer federation, CONMEBOL, expressed condolences to the family.

The Argentine Football Association ordered a minute of silence at matches across the country and required players, referees, and coaching staff to wear black armbands.

Inter Miami paid tribute to their absent captain’s father in Saturday's Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey, with a minute silence ahead of the game.