Lionel Messi will be absent from Inter Miami’s activities for an unspecified duration as he mourns the loss of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi. Reports indicate that the Argentine forward has chosen to prolong his stay in Argentina and has not set a date for when he will return to the United States. Inter Miami is reportedly accommodating Messi’s need for family time and has imposed no pressure for him to come back to the team.
Event Context
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Messi remains with family in Argentina
Although there has been no official statement from Lionel Messi or Inter Miami, reports from Argentina indicate that the 39-year-old soccer star has been granted open-ended compassionate leave. He is expected to take as much time as needed during this period.
Some sources have characterized this absence as an indefinite break from football; however, there are no indications that Messi is contemplating retirement or leaving the sport for good. This arrangement primarily pertains to his current obligations with Inter Miami, with no specific timeline for his return having been established.
Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, passed away at the age of 68 on Friday night after a long battle with illness. He had been receiving treatment in a medical clinic in Rosario, spending his last months alternating between the facility and home. Lionel, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, made the journey from Miami to Rosario. They were joined by Lionel’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings Rodrigo, Matías, and María for a private farewell ceremony.
Jorge was subsequently laid to rest at the El Prado private cemetery in Pérez, near Rosario. After the ceremony, Messi chose to remain with his family in Funes rather than immediately heading back to the United States. Jorge played a vital role in Lionel’s life, guiding him as he transitioned from Rosario to Barcelona at a young age and later acting as his representative through many pivotal decisions in his career.
If Messi’s compassionate leave extends into September, he may miss Major League Soccer matches against Nashville SC, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC, and CF Montréal. However, any potential return date remains uncertain, as Messi and his family are being given the necessary space and time to grieve their loss.
Match Outlook
Before their Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, Inter Miami paid tribute to Jorge with a solemn moment of silence. The players donned black armbands, while fans showcased messages supporting their club captain. During the game, Rodrigo De Paul honored Messi by revealing a No. 10 shirt after scoring. Unfortunately, Messi was absent, and Inter Miami faced a 2-1 loss. He is now expected to miss the upcoming Leagues Cup first-phase finale against Club León on Wednesday.
