STORY: Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi arrived in Rosario on Saturday night (August 8), to bid farewell to his late father Jorge Messi who died on Friday.

Footage from Islas Malvinas International Airport showed Messi and his family descending from a private plane.

Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, died on Friday night aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness, the footballer's family confirmed to Reuters.

Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical center in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, the family said.

Jorge closely accompanied his son Lionel throughout his career, beginning with his early years at Barcelona. He acted as a crucial pillar of support and, for several years, served as his representative.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: ROSARIO, SANTA FE PROVINCE, ARGENTINA (AUGUST 8, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. (NIGHT SHOT) SOCCER START LIONEL MESSI'S PLANE ARRIVING AT ROSARIO ISLAS MALVINAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

2. (NIGHT SHOT) PLANE ON TARMAC

3. (NIGHT SHOT) MESSI, WIFE ANTONELLA, AND FAMILY GETTING OFF PLANE

4. (NIGHT SHOT) VAN AT TARMAC

5. (NIGHT SHOT) VARIOUS OF MESSI WITH LUGGAGE AT TARMAC

6. (NIGHT SHOT) AIRPORT STAFF, VANS AND PLANE ON TARMAC

7. VARIOUS OF EXTERIOR OF EL PRADO CEMETERY, WHERE THE REMAINS OF MESSI'S FATHER, JORGE MESSI, ARE REPORTEDLY LOCATED