Lionel Messi bids farewell to father who guided his glittering career

There was a handful of fans outside the cemetery, including 15-year-old Lucas Blanco, who hung a sign reading “Stay strong, Messi” on the gate.

“He has brought so much joy to this country, now it’s our turn to give a little back and offer him some comfort,” he said.

“We drove 700km to be here. We wanted to stand by Leo during this time,” said Carlos and Ana, a couple who travelled from Tres Arroyos, a town south of Buenos Aires.

The cause of death was not disclosed, but local media reported that Jorge Messi had been suffering from cancer. 

His unusual absence from the World Cup in June had already attracted attention.

Messi’s family asked the media for “humanity” during the tournament amid persistent rumours over Jorge’s health.

After bursting into tears after scoring against Algeria, 39-year-old Messi had admitted to dealing with “a situation outside of sports”.

“I went through a few difficult, complicated days,” he later acknowledged. “But I am grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates, because they stood by me, as always.”

Immediately after the World Cup final defeat against Spain, Messi returned to spend a few days with his family in Rosario.