Overview
- Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father and long-time adviser, has died in Rosario after a prolonged illness and was buried following private funeral proceedings.
- Lionel Messi flew home from Miami with his wife and children and is remaining in Argentina to grieve with his family.
- Argentine outlets and international reports say Messi has been granted indefinite compassionate leave from Inter Miami and has not set a return date.
- Inter Miami and teammates publicly honoured Jorge with a moment of silence, black armbands and tributes, and the club is respecting Messi’s absence from recent Leagues Cup action.
- Press coverage is raising questions about the longer-term impact on Messi’s playing career but there is no official announcement that he has retired.