Lionel Messi steps away from football after father's death, no return date yet

Lionel Messi has not disclosed a return date to Miami after his father Jorge Messi's passing, according to recent reports. The Argentina national team captain was in Miami this week to attend his father's funeral, which occurred on Friday following Jorge's death on the same day. French publication Foot Mercato, referenced by Goal.com, stated that Messi has withdrawn from his professional obligations to be with his family members. The report did not specify when Messi intends to return to his Inter Miami club.

Jorge Messi, who was 68 when he died, had been suffering from a prolonged illness and was unable to participate in recent FIFA World Cup matches. The elder Messi played a crucial role in his son's early football career, acting as both an adviser and agent from the beginning. He facilitated Lionel's move from Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona's youth academy at the age of 13, where Barcelona also covered the costs of treating Messi's growth hormone deficiency.

This condition, which affected his physical development, required daily injections, eventually allowing Messi to grow to a height of 1.70 meters.

Jorge continued to be involved in his son's professional life after his son's rise to fame, managing his representation and handling various affairs off the pitch. Jorge was married to Celia Cuccittini and had four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol. Messi's decision to take a break from football follows his family's grief over his father's death, and his future plans with Inter Miami will hinge on when he feels prepared to resume his football career.