Lionel Messi Takes Indefinite Break From Football To Focus On Family: Report
News sports football Lionel Messi Takes Indefinite Break From Football To Focus On Family: Report Lionel Messi Takes Indefinite Break From Football To Focus On
News sports football Lionel Messi Takes Indefinite Break From Football To Focus On Family: Report Lionel Messi Takes Indefinite Break From Football To Focus On Family: Report Published By, Last Updated: August 11, 2026, 13:06 IST Lionel Messi mourns father Jorge Messi's passing, takes indefinite break from Inter Miami. Family, Newell's Old Boys pay tribute. Rapid Read Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the first half of a Leagues Cup game against Atletico de San Luis (Picture credit: AP) Legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has set no return date from Argentina to Miami following his father’s passing, according to reports. He was in the nation for the funeral this week, just days after the death on Friday.
As per a report by Doble Amarilla, Messi has decided to take an indefinite break from football to focus on his family, with Inter Miami giving him the freedom to decide when he will return to the United States. Jorge Messi, 68, had been battling illness this year and was unable to attend the FIFA World Cup games. A family statement confirmed that he was under medical observation and not in a condition to attend the matches. Messi and his family have yet to state his father’s passing as they mourn their loss. His boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, has since released a heartfelt tribute. “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.
Recognised Leproso fan, businessman and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi," the statement said. “Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigour and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini," the statement added. Messi arrived on a private flight from Miami late on Saturday, August 8, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. A private ceremony with close family and a few Argentina teammates took place at a cemetery in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario, later on Sunday, August 9. The gates of the town’s El Prado cemetery were adorned with handwritten messages from fans, including “Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and “Stay strong, Messi family," along with a large floral wreath.
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