Overview
- Jorge Messi, who guided Lionel’s career for decades, died after a long illness in Rosario and the family held a private funeral in Pérez with close relatives and some Argentina teammates.
- Lionel posted an emotional Instagram tribute saying he has "quite a few doubts" about continuing to play and describing how his father’s illness affected his World Cup campaign.
- Argentine outlet Doble Amarilla reported that Messi was granted an "indefinite leave" from Inter Miami but the club has not officially confirmed that status.
- Messi briefly returned to Inter Miami action as a substitute in a Leagues Cup match on Aug. 13, received a standing ovation, and saw the team eliminated from the tournament.
- Jorge’s death removes Messi’s long‑time adviser and raises immediate questions about his availability for Miami and the longer‑term trajectory of a career that runs under contract through 2028.