The football world was plunged into mourning over the weekend following the news that Jorge Messi, the father and lifelong agent of Lionel Messi, passed away in Rosario at the age of 68. After a quiet, prolonged battle with illness, the man who guided the greatest player of all time to global superstardom is gone.
Now, amidst the outpouring of grief from fans and clubs worldwide, a natural question arises on the sporting side of things, which is when will Lionel Messi return to the pitch for Inter Miami.
Jorge was not just a parent; he was the architect of Lionel's career. He was the man who negotiated the famous napkin contract with Barcelona when Lionel was just 13, and he remained his sole agent through his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and ultimately
Inter Miami.
The illness had been a closely guarded family secret, only briefly reaching public awareness during the 2026 World Cup when Lionel visibly broke down after a group stage match against Algeria. Back then, Messi cited a "deep, personal" burden that he was carrying quietly.
Jorge passed away in a hospital in his hometown in the early hours of Saturday morning. Lionel is currently in Argentina, surrounded by his mother Celia, his sister Maria Sol, and his brothers Rodrigo and Matias, as they lay their patriarch to rest.
Before this tragic news, Messi was enjoying a spectacular run of form in the United States. Just days prior to his father's passing, the 39-year-old scored a brilliant brace to lead Inter Miami to a 4-2 victory over Atletico de San Luis in the Leagues Cup.
When Can Fans Expect Lionel Messi back?
As of now, Inter Miami has not issued an official date for their captain's return, and rightfully so. The club's management, co-owned by David Beckham, has granted the Argentine forward an indefinite compassionate leave.
He is currently in Argentina but is likely to return to the pitch after the necessary duties for his father and the last rites.
/images/ppid_59c68470-image-178651503426938846.webp)
