Lionel Messi suspends Inter Miami activities following his father's death

Tuesday 11 August 2026 - 09:13

By: Azzat Manal

Lionel Messi suspends Inter Miami activities following his father's death

Lionel Messi has reportedly suspended his participation with Inter Miami indefinitely following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, according to Argentine media reports.

The Argentine star is said to have left the United States and returned to his home country after receiving news of his father's death, choosing to remain close to his family during the mourning period.

Messi is currently in Rosario, where his father's funeral was held privately and attended only by close family members and a small circle of relatives and friends. No official date has been announced for the footballer's return to training or competitive action.

The 2022 World Cup winner has reportedly chosen to remain away from public attention while grieving, prioritizing his family, including his mother, siblings, wife and children.

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of the Inter Miami captain, died at the age of 68 in a hospital in Rosario on August 7 following a prolonged illness.

Messi missed Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Mexican club Monterrey because of the funeral. Inter Miami lost the home fixture 2–1, with Rodrigo De Paul scoring the team's only goal in the 32nd minute.

De Paul dedicated his goal to Messi in a gesture of support for his Argentine teammate and former national-team colleague.

The circumstances surrounding the funeral have also prompted concerns about privacy. Argentine media reports say Messi is considering legal action against journalists who allegedly published photographs and videos from the private ceremony.

For the moment, the footballer's return to Inter Miami remains uncertain. The club and its supporters are awaiting further information as Messi takes time away from football to be with his family.