Lionel Messi Takes Indefinite Leave Following Father's Passing

Lionel Messi has paused his football career indefinitely following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The Argentine superstar returned to Rosario to support his family during this difficult time. Inter Miami has granted him an open-ended leave, allowing him to focus on family matters without a set return date. This break comes as Messi was enjoying a resurgence in form, having scored two goals in a recent match. With a remarkable record in Major League Soccer, Messi is now just 79 goals away from the 1,000-goal milestone. Read on to learn more about this emotional chapter in Messi's life.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 12, 2026, 10:47 IST

Messi's Break from Competitive Football

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina and Inter Miami, has announced an indefinite hiatus from competitive football due to the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Reports from Spanish media indicate that the timeline for Messi's return to the USA remains uncertain. The 39-year-old football star recently departed Miami on a private jet to return to his hometown of Rosario.

Family Support During Difficult Times

Messi returned to Rosario to be with his family for his father's final rites. He was in Florida preparing for an upcoming Leagues Cup match against Monterrey when he received the heartbreaking news of his father's passing. Without delay, he flew back to Rosario to be with his loved ones.

Inter Miami's Support for Messi

Inter Miami has expressed unwavering support for Messi during this challenging period. The club has granted him an open-ended leave, allowing him to spend as much time as he needs with his family in Argentina, without any specified return date.

The Impact of Jorge Messi on Lionel's Career

The loss of his father is profoundly personal for Messi. Jorge Messi was not only his father but also a pivotal figure in his football journey. From Messi's early days playing in Rosario to his rise in global football, Jorge served as his manager, representative, and key advisor.

Messi's Recent Performance Before the Break

This break comes at a time when Messi was regaining exceptional form on the field. He had recently scored two goals against Atlético San Luis in the Leagues Cup. However, following his father's death, all football-related activities have understandably taken a backseat for him.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has had a remarkable impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), netting 92 goals in 107 matches across various competitions, including MLS, CONCACAF tournaments, and domestic cups.

This translates to an impressive average of 0.86 goals per match, with a scoring rate of one goal every 96.2 minutes in the MLS. Overall, Messi has scored 921 goals in his career and is now just 79 goals shy of reaching the 1,000-goal milestone.