The gates of the town's El Prado cemetery displayed handwritten messages from fans – "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and "Stay strong, Messi family" – alongside a large floral wreath. Messi's teammates rallied around their captain following the announcement that Jorge Messi had passed away late Friday at a clinic in Rosario. 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. The cause of death was not disclosed, but local media reported that Jorge Messi had been suffering from cancer for several months. Humble beginningsA guiding figure throughout his son's career, Jorge Messi was his first coach who left everything behind to accompany his son to Spain.