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Tag: Inter Miami

  • Lionel Messi reportedly takes indefinite break from football after father’s death

    Lionel Messi reportedly takes indefinite break from football after father’s death

    Lionel Messi is reportedly taking an indefinite break from football following the death of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi.

     

    Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, on Friday, August 7. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has since remained in Argentina for his father’s funeral and to spend time with his family during the difficult period.

     

    According to Spanish outlet Doble Amarilla, Messi has been granted indefinite leave by Inter Miami and will not return to the United States or resume his club duties until he feels ready.

     

     

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     “The death of Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, has deeply affected the Argentina star, who has decided not to return to the United States and will put his commitments with Inter Miami on hold until further notice,” Doble Amarilla reported.

     

    The news has also had a significant impact on the Inter Miami locker room, with manager Guillermo Hoyos acknowledging the emotional toll Jorge Messi’s death has taken on the club.

     

    “Regarding Leo, we know what happened, and it is a huge shame, a source of great pain, and we have really felt that impact. It has been very hard. Often, there are no words for it,” Hoyos said.

     

    “When you go through such a difficult experience, it is hard to recover, yet it is something we all face. In a way, we never truly learn from it because the pain is so intense,” he added.

    Inter Miami also paid tribute to Jorge Messi during a recent match at Miami’s Nu Stadium, holding a moment of silence before kickoff. His name was displayed on the stadium screens, while Inter Miami players wore black armbands in his memory.

     

    Supporters inside the stadium also showed their solidarity with Messi. In the 10th minute—the same number worn by the Argentine superstar—fans chanted his name and unveiled flags offering words of encouragement. One banner carried the message, “Fuerza Leo,” or “Stay strong, Leo.”

     

    Inter Miami defender Facundo Mura said the entire club has been deeply affected by the loss and emphasized that Messi will have the team’s full support whenever he decides to return.

     

    “We are deeply affected by what happened. We are standing with Leo from afar during this difficult time. We understand what he is going through and want him to know we support him and are by his side,” Mura said.

     

    “As individuals, as you just mentioned, and certainly as colleagues, a team, and a club, I think we are sorry about what happened. And well, whenever he feels ready to return, we will be here to continue supporting him in everything that lies ahead,” he added.

     

    Jorge Messi played a pivotal role throughout his son’s extraordinary football career. As Lionel’s father and representative, he was closely involved in many of the biggest moments of the Argentine’s journey from his early days in Rosario to his rise as one of the greatest players in football history.

     

    For now, Messi’s return to the pitch appears to be secondary to spending time with his family and mourning his father.

     

    Inter Miami are preparing for the final group-stage match of the 2026 Leagues Cup without their captain and talisman. The club will now have to cope with the absence of its most influential player while giving Messi the time and space he needs during a deeply personal period.

     

    The timing of his return remains uncertain, with Messi expected to resume football only when he feels ready to do so.

     

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  • Lionel Messi held scoreless as Inter Miami and Nashville play to 0-0 stalemate in CONCACAF Champions Cup

    Lionel Messi held scoreless as Inter Miami and Nashville play to 0-0 stalemate in CONCACAF Champions Cup

    For the second consecutive matchup, Lionel Messi was denied by Nashville SC as Inter Miami and the visitors battled to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. 


    The return leg on March 18 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale will decide which squad advances to the quarterfinals.

     

    Messi entered the game on the back of a remarkable streak against Nashville, having scored in six straight encounters since April 20, 2024, producing 12 goals and five assists. 

     

    Yet, the veteran superstar was held without a point for only the second time in four games, following a scoreless outing in Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss to Los Angeles FC on February 21.

     

    The Argentine superstar had a chance in the 55th minute, racing down the left flank and firing a shot that was expertly denied by Nashville goalkeeper Bruan Schwake. 

     

    Messi finished the match with one shot on target—his lowest in a single game since November 29, when he had no shots on goal but assisted in Miami’s 5-1 MLS Cup Eastern Conference final win over New York City FC. He also completed 79% of his passes.

     

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    Despite Messi’s quiet night, Inter Miami dominated possession, controlling 59% of the ball, though Nashville pushed the pace with 15 total shots compared to Miami’s eight, four of which were on target. 

     

    Nashville’s best opportunity came in the 65th minute from a corner delivered by Cristian Espinoza, finding Reed Baker-Whiting inside the box, but his header sailed just over the crossbar.

     

    The second leg promises tension, as the winner of the series will face either Club America or Philadelphia Union in the quarterfinals. 

     

    Advancement is determined on aggregate goals over two matches, with extra time and penalty kicks ready to decide the series if the tie remains scoreless in the return leg at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

     

    While the scoreboard showed no goals, Messi’s presence continued to shape the game, stretching Nashville’s defense and creating openings, even if the ball wouldn’t find the net. 

     

    As both teams regroup for the decisive leg, the stakes are high, and Miami will look to their talisman to finally break the deadlock and secure a path to the quarterfinals.

     

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  • “I don’t see myself as a coach”: Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement plans

    “I don’t see myself as a coach”: Lionel Messi reveals post-retirement plans

    Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, continues to add to his illustrious legacy — but with his 38-year-old body inching closer to the twilight of his career, the football icon is now openly discussing life beyond the pitch.

     

    The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, whose resume includes a World Cup triumph, multiple UEFA Champions League titles, and countless individual honors, has long been the benchmark for excellence in global football. However, as he gears up for a new Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, Messi has revealed that his focus is gradually shifting toward what comes next after retirement.

     

    In a candid interview with Luzu TV, Messi admitted that he has no desire to become a coach once he hangs up his boots — a path taken by many former stars.

     

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    “Honestly, I don’t see myself as a coach. I would like to be a sporting director, but if I have to choose one option, I like the idea of being an owner more,” Messi shared.

    The Argentine maestro confirmed he is intrigued by the possibility of team ownership, following a similar route to David Beckham, who transitioned from global football icon to successful club owner with Inter Miami.

     

    “I would like to have my own club, to help a team grow, start from the bottom and give opportunities to young players and people so they can develop. I would like to build an important club. If I have to choose a direction, I think it’s the idea I like the most,” he added, highlighting a desire to contribute to the sport’s growth from a leadership and developmental standpoint.

     

    Messi, who has achieved virtually every accolade available in world football, was also asked whether he still has any athletic goals left to pursue. His response was as reflective as it was emotional.

     

    “No, what could I still be missing? I was able to do everything. As I always say, God gave me much more than I ever imagined. And then Qatar happened… After that, we could all be at peace knowing we had done everything. Everything that comes from now on is a gift,” he said, referencing Argentina’s unforgettable 2022 World Cup win.

     

    Despite winding down his playing years, Messi continues to dominate in MLS. He was recently named the 2025 MLS Cup Most Valuable Player, becoming the first player in league history to capture back-to-back MVP awards. Messi delivered a sensational season, finishing with a league-best 29 goals and 19 assists and joining Preki as only the second two-time MVP winner in league history.

     

     

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