Lionel Messi ‘at Peace’ After His Father’s Death, Says His Inter Miami Coach

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos shared that Lionel Messi seems to be in a state of peace following his father Jorge Messi's recent passing on August 8 in Argentina. The 68-year-old father of the soccer star died in a hospital in the country. "He looks good, expressing himself on the pitch, a place he knows to perfection, and at peace," Hoyos told reporters on Tuesday, August 18, according to ESPN and Reuters.

Messi had taken a break from the team in the wake of his father's death, reportedly traveling to Argentina to attend a private memorial service. He returned to Inter Miami on August 12, participating in a match against Mexican club León. Teammate Casemiro praised Messi's dedication, stating that the star "sets a great example" and has shown "incredible commitment" to the club during a difficult time.

Casemiro expressed gratitude for Messi's presence, saying "We have to say thank you, thank you for coming here, for helping us and for helping the club."

In a heartfelt message, Messi reflected on the loss of his father, stating he "still can't believe" Jorge is gone and that the reality of his absence has not yet fully sunk in. "It's so hard to imagine that I won't see you anymore, that we won't talk again," Messi wrote. "I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon; there was still so much left for us to enjoy together."

Messi expressed his doubts about continuing his soccer career without his father, saying, "I played soccer, but now I have serious doubts about whether I'll keep doing it for much longer." He concluded his message, saying he "will miss my father terribly," but added that "you'll always be with me — especially in how I raise my own children, because I teach and guide them just as you did with me."