According to Argentine media reports, Lionel Messi left accompanied by his mother, Celia, his brothers Matías, Rodrigo and María Sol, as well as his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. They left the site shortly after midday, although it remains unclear when Messi will return to Miami.

Rosario was shrouded in grief. Messi was in his hometown on Sunday to say farewell to his father, Jorge, at a private funeral attended only by close family members and friends.

Jorge passed away at the age of 68 after battling illness for several months. He played a crucial role in Messi’s life and career. It was his father who encouraged Messi to pursue his extraordinary talent, which was first developed on the muddy pitches of local club Abanderado Grandoli. What followed were goals, trophies, Ballon d’Or awards and admiration that transcended generations.

That is why people in Rosario shed tears for him at every corner.

The morning began with bitterly cold temperatures, before sunlight gradually eased the chill. Several supporters of the Argentina national team captain gathered near the main entrance of El Prado Cemetery to show their support for Messi during one of the most difficult moments of his life.

The previous evening, Jacqueline and her two children, Giovanni and Milagros, had already left a classic A4-sized sheet of paper bearing the message: “Stay strong, Messi family. The whole world is with you.”

Another note attached to the cemetery fence read: “Stay strong, Leo. We love you.”

A wreath from Idra FC, a hockey club from Mar del Plata, could also be seen hanging on the fence.

One of the most striking figures was a serious-looking teenage boy with his head lowered. He had cycled to the cemetery carrying another handwritten message for his idol.

A traffic police officer accompanied him to the fence. Security barriers had already been placed around the cemetery entrance, keeping journalists outside.

“My name is Lucas, I’m 15 years old and I’m from Pérez. My house is six blocks from here. I brought a sign that says ‘Stay strong, Messi.’ I made it in a bit of a hurry. Yesterday, I came here with my family, but there were very few people and it was already dark, so I couldn’t put it up. Today I came alone, and I finally managed to leave it here,” the boy told a reporter from Clarín.

He then expressed something unusually profound for someone his age.

“I came here because someone like Messi has brought so much happiness to this country. We should support him and comfort him during the most difficult moment of his life, so that he doesn’t feel so sad and doesn’t give up. He is an idol, one of the greatest idols I can draw strength from. He never gave up. Even when he was at his lowest, he kept going and eventually won everything. That’s why he is such an important role model for so many people, including me.”

Lucas was one of many fans who came to the cemetery to pay their respects quietly before eventually leaving.

Messi entered the cemetery through a side entrance, avoiding both the media and the supporters waiting outside. People continued to wait in the hope of expressing their love and support for him.

Just seeing Messi in that moment was enough to understand the pain he was carrying. He was alone, his eyes fixed on the ground, his hands in his pockets as he walked along the cemetery path.

Shortly after midday, he left through the same route in a black pickup truck with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Antonela was also seen leaving while being comforted by family and friends.

Messi’s brother Matías left through another exit, where federal police officers were providing security.

Jorge’s eldest son, Rodrigo, left through the main entrance of the cemetery together with his mother, Celia Cuccittini. The cemetery is located around 10 kilometers from downtown Rosario.

One of Messi’s closest teammates with the Argentina national team, Leandro Paredes, said after Boca Juniors drew with Vélez that he would join several other members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad in accompanying their captain.

However, they did not appear in front of television cameras or photographers.

What could be seen were wreaths sent by the Argentine Football Association, the coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni, and Newell’s Old Boys, the club that Jorge loved dearly during his lifetime.

Meanwhile, a private jet parked at Fisherton’s Islas Malvinas International Airport was the same aircraft that had previously flown Messi, Antonela and their three children from Miami to Rosario.

According to a flight-tracking application, the aircraft took off at around 11:30 a.m., although its destination was unknown.

For now, it remains unclear what decision Messi will make next.

Inter Miami still have matches to play over the coming week. Last Saturday, the team lost to Mexican side Monterrey without Messi in the lineup. On Wednesday, they will conclude their Leagues Cup group-stage campaign and must beat another Liga MX side, León.

Will the Argentine superstar remain in his hometown for a few more days to be with his family during these first and most painful moments?

Or will he soon return to the pitch, back to the place where he shared his greatest passion with his father for decades — the place that kept Messi and Jorge so deeply connected until the final days of Jorge’s life?