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Lionel Messi takes indefinite leave from football after father's death, no return date set for now: Report
Lionel Messi will reportedly remain away from Inter Miami indefinitely, with no return date set, as he grieves his father Jorge Messi's death in Argentina.
Lionel Messi will reportedly remain away from Inter Miami’s activities for an indefinite period as he continues to grieve following the death of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi. The Argentine forward has decided to extend his stay in his homeland and has not established a date for his return to the United States, according to reports. Inter Miami are understood to be respecting Messi’s need for time with his family and have placed no pressure upon him to rejoin the club.
The development has not been formally announced by either Messi or Inter Miami. Reports in Argentina, however, have also claimed that the 39-year-old has been given open-ended compassionate leave and will be permitted to remain absent for as long as necessary.
The absence has been described in some reports as an indefinite break from football, although there is no suggestion that Messi is considering retirement or stepping away from the sport permanently. The present arrangement instead concerns his immediate commitments with Inter Miami, with no timetable established for his return.
Messi remains with family in Argentina
Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 on Friday night following a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment at a medical clinic in Rosario and had spent his final months alternating between the medical facility and his home. Lionel travelled from Miami to Rosario with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children. He joined his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and siblings Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol before the family held a private farewell ceremony.
Jorge was subsequently laid to rest at the El Prado private cemetery in Pérez, near Rosario. Messi reportedly remained at his residence in Funes with his family after the ceremony rather than immediately returning to the United States. Jorge occupied a central place in his son’s personal and professional life. He helped guide Lionel’s move from Rosario to Barcelona as a teenager and later served as his representative, overseeing several of the most significant decisions of his career.
Inter Miami honoured Jorge before their Leagues Cup encounter against Monterrey. A moment of silence was observed, the players wore black armbands and supporters displayed messages of solidarity with the club captain. Rodrigo De Paul also revealed a Messi No. 10 shirt after scoring during the match. Messi was absent as Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat and is now reportedly expected to miss their final Leagues Cup first-phase match against Club León on Wednesday.
Should his compassionate leave extend into September, he could also be unavailable for Major League Soccer fixtures against Nashville SC, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC and CF Montréal. Any prospective return date, however, remains purely speculative, with Messi and his family being afforded the time and privacy required to mourn their loss.
