Messi steps away from football indefinitely after father’s death

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has stepped away from his football commitments indefinitely following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died aged 68 in Rosario after a prolonged illness.

According to Foot Mercato, citing reports in the Argentine media, including Doble Amarilla, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has put his professional commitments on hold while he remains in Argentina to mourn with his family.

No firm timetable is believed to have been set for his return to Inter Miami, with football taking a secondary role while he focuses on his family.

Messi travelled to Rosario following his father’s death and attended a private memorial service. Foot Mercato reported that he was being supported by his mother, siblings, wife and children.

Argentina players Leandro Paredes, Nicolás Otamendi and Ángel Di María were also expected to visit the family and offer their support.

Jorge Messi’s role in his son’s career

Jorge Messi was far more than a father to the Argentine star. In his social-media tribute in Spanish, Messi remembered him as his father, friend and representative, who had been by his side from the beginning of his football journey.

Messi recalled how Jorge would take him to training after finishing work and never miss a match. He described his father as someone who always knew the role he needed to play at different stages of his life and whose advice, despite occasional disagreements, repeatedly proved to be right.

Jorge’s health had already become a serious concern during the 2026 World Cup. Messi revealed that his father, who had repeatedly urged him to play in his last World Cup, became seriously ill only days before the tournament began. It was the first time Jorge had been unable to attend one of his son’s tournaments.

Argentina reached the final, but Jorge was unable to attend. Messi revealed that he had wanted to win the trophy for his father but struggled physically and never felt fully fit. Although Argentina were not crowned champions, he later acknowledged that Jorge had once again been right to encourage him to play.

Messi wrote that he still could not believe his father was gone and found it difficult to accept that they would never see or speak to each other again. He revealed that they had spoken every day and met whenever his professional commitments allowed.

The loss has also left Messi questioning his own future in football. He admitted that he did not know how to carry on without his father and, having spent his life playing the sport, now had serious doubts about how much longer he would continue.

Messi’s football future remains uncertain

Questions are mounting over the next stage of Messi’s career. Argentine media have begun speculating that he could remain away from football for an indefinite period, with the Inter Miami star yet to indicate when he plans to return to the pitch or how he intends to proceed with his career.

Approaching the age of 39, Messi is facing an unprecedented period in his distinguished career. His immediate priorities are no longer centred on football or competition, but on personal and family matters.

There is no confirmation that Messi has decided to retire. However, his decision to put his professional commitments on hold indefinitely has created considerable uncertainty over what comes next.

After more than 20 years at the highest level of football, the Argentine legend may now take as much time as he needs away from competition to be with his family before deciding whether to continue his career in the United States or step further away from the game following this deeply significant period in his life.