Lionel Messi has indefinitely suspended his football activities following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 at a clinic in Rosario after battling illness for several years, marking a profound loss for the Argentine football star and his family.
Foot Mercato, citing Argentine sources, reported that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has put his professional activities on hold to remain close to his family and loved ones during this difficult period. According to the report, Messi has not yet set a date for his return to Inter Miami, with football currently not being his main priority.
For Lionel, Jorge Messi was more than just a father. From the early stages of his professional career, he also served as his adviser, agent, and one of his most important supporters. Their close relationship began during Messi’s time at Newell’s Old Boys and continued after his move to Spain.
Jorge made numerous sacrifices throughout his son’s professional journey and was involved in many of the most important decisions in Messi’s personal life and football career. His behind-the-scenes role, from Messi’s early development to his emergence as one of the most decorated players in football history, has long been widely recognized.
Reports also indicate that Jorge Messi’s health had become a source of concern for the family during the World Cup in the United States. Messi’s personal circumstances, combined with the pressures of competition and being away from his family, had a profound impact on him. During that period, he also spoke on several occasions about the importance of family and his father’s condition.
After learning of his father’s death, Messi suspended his activities with Inter Miami and returned to Argentina to be with his family. Jorge Messi’s funeral was held privately in Rosario, after which Lionel Messi chose to remain close to his loved ones.
According to published reports, family is currently Messi’s top priority, and he has the support of his mother, siblings, wife, and children. There have also been reports that some of his Argentina national-team teammates, including Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi, and Ángel Di María, may visit him.
Meanwhile, questions have emerged regarding Messi’s professional future. Argentine media have speculated about whether he will continue his career or step away from football, but no official announcement has been made regarding his retirement or a specific date for his return to competitive action.
Messi, who is approaching his 39th birthday, is at a different stage of his career one in which personal matters appear to be having a greater influence on his decisions than ever before. Despite his indefinite suspension of football activities, it is still too early to say with certainty that he intends to retire from the sport permanently.
After more than two decades competing at the highest level of football, Messi now has the time he needs to grieve and be with his family. A decision regarding his future in football and his return to Inter Miami will be made at a later stage, once he has had time to navigate this deeply personal period.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
