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.
🚨 Leo Messi finally speaks out following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, last week, revealing that he plans to step away from football for a little while.
🗣️ Messi: “I can’t lie, it’s been very hard and tough, not just for me but also for my boys. My youngest son, Ciro,… pic.twitter.com/bTgFnqmWrP
— SIR1⭐️ (@sa10nee) August 11, 2026
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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