Messi says farewell to his father in hometown Rosario

Lionel Messi was seen at El Prado cemetery in Rosario on Sunday during the private funeral of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, who died at 68 after a long illness.

Messi and his family travelled from Florida and were escorted by a police motorcade to the cemetery, where a family wake was held before the burial.

Fans left floral tributes and messages of support outside the gates. Jorge Messi played a central role in his son's career, moving with the 13-year-old to Barcelona in 2000 and later managing his contracts and image rights.

Argentine clubs and football bodies held tributes over the weekend.