Inter Miami grants Lionel Messi indefinite leave after death of father Jorge Messi

Lionel Messi has been granted indefinite leave by Inter Miami to remain in Rosario, Argentina, following the death of his father and agent Jorge Messi on August 8, 2026. The club has not pushed him to return early.

Jorge Messi, aged 68, died after suffering a serious illness, according to reports. His family said he had been under medical monitoring and was unable to attend FIFA World Cup matches this year because of that illness. Jorge served as Lionel’s first advisor and agent from the start of his career, a role that began at Newell’s Old Boys and continued through the move to Spain.

Lionel Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children arrived in Rosario late on Saturday, August 8, on a private aeroplane from Miami. A private ceremony took place on Sunday, August 9, at a cemetery in the hamlet of Perez, near Rosario, attended by close relatives and a small number of Argentina teammates.

Argentine media have reported that Messi is prioritising his family and is relying on his mother, siblings, wife and children for support during his bereavement. Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Ángel Di María were named among the Argentina teammates expected to meet Messi and his grieving family.

Questions have been raised about the immediate future of Messi’s playing career, with Argentine outlets reporting he might stop playing for an indeterminate period. Messi himself has not announced a return date to the pitch.

There is no confirmed date for his return to Inter Miami and reports say the club has not pressured him, with the expectation he will take as much time as he needs before resuming his career.