In a moment of respect and solidarity, Leandro Paredes announced that some members of the national team will accompany Lionel Messi to Rosario for the funeral of his father-in-law, Jorge, who passed away at 68 years old after a long battle with a serious illness. The captain of the Argentine team and his children Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro arrived in the city on Saturday to bid farewell to the deceased.
Paredes, speaking to TyC Sports, said: 'I couldn’t talk to him. I know he’s traveling, so I’m waiting for him to arrive so we can be there for this moment, which will surely do him good knowing that we are here.' The Boca Juniors midfielder will join other national team players like Angel Di María (Rosario Central) and Nicolás Otamendi (River Plate), who are already in the country.
Additionally, Lucas Martínez Quarta, Germán Pezzella, Marcos Acuña, and Gonzalo Montiel, all from River Plate, could also join the trip. The national team players that will travel with Messi include those close to the captain, such as Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami) and Luis Suárez (Monterrey), who made heartfelt tributes on their respective platforms.
On Friday, during a match of Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup, Rodrigo De Paul wore Lionel Messi's number 10 shirt in memory of the deceased father-in-law. For his part, Luis Suárez shared an Instagram story: 'Friend, I give you and your whole family a big hug. Your dad will continue to watch over you from above as he always did. All my love is with the Messi family at this moment. Rest in peace, Jorge.' These gestures demonstrate the unconditional support that players have for their leader and teammate.
