Lionel Messi granted indefinite leave by Inter Miami after father's death
(Courtesy : Getty)
Messi is currently back home in Argentina.
Lionel Messi has been given indefinite leave by Inter Miami so he can stay in Rosario, Argentina. This comes after Jorge Messi, his father and agent, died on August 8, 2026, at the age of 68. As a result, Messi has been granted a leave to stay in his hometown, with the club not pushing him for an early return.
The 68-year-old Jorge Messi was unable to attend the FIFA World Cup matches this year due to illness. He was under medical monitoring and unable to attend the games, according to a statement from his family.
Lionel Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and their kids arrived late on Saturday, August 8, on a private aeroplane from Miami. Later on Sunday, August 9, a private ceremony was held at a cemetery in the hamlet of Perez, next to Rosario, with close relatives and a few Argentina teammates.
Jorge Messi was much more than just a father to the former Barcelona player. He was present at every pivotal point in Messi’s ascent and served as his son’s first advisor, agent, and backer from the start. It began at Newell’s Old Boys and remained throughout the move to Spain.
Behind the scenes, Jorge shaped one of the most amazing football careers in history by making the sacrifices that let his son pursue his passion.
Also Read: WATCH: Lionel Messi spotted in Rosario after FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat
Lionel Messi to remain on indefinite leave
According to media reports, Lionel Messi now prioritises his family above all else, relying on his mother, siblings, wife, and kids for support.
Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María are among the Argentina teammates who are anticipated to meet Messi and his grieving family.
Now many questions surround his professional career’s future. The Inter Miami star has not said when he would return to the pitch, so the Argentine media has already begun predicting he might stop playing for an indeterminate period.
Where is Lionel Messi right now?
Messi is currently in Rosario, Argentina, after being granted indefinite leave by Inter Miami following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8, 2026.
When will Lionel Messi return to playing again?
There is no confirmed date for his return. Inter Miami have not pressured him, and he is expected to take as much time as needed before resuming his career.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.