Lionel Messi has returned to action for Inter Miami following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, as he continues to reflect on his future in professional football.
Messi’s father, who had served as his agent since the Argentina captain was 14, died in Rosario last week at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. The 39-year-old football star attended the private funeral in Argentina on Sunday before returning to the United States.
Messi was absent when Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday. However, he made himself available for the crucial group-stage encounter against Leon and entered the game at half-time.
Despite Messi’s return, Inter Miami lost 3-2 in front of their home supporters. The defeat ended the club’s hopes of advancing from the opening stage of the Leagues Cup for the first time since the competition was expanded in 2023.
Before returning to Miami, Messi shared an emotional message on social media in which he admitted uncertainty about how much longer he would continue playing football.
The Argentine star said he was “really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer,” further fueling speculation about his future.
Jorge Messi remained an important figure throughout his son’s remarkable career. He witnessed Messi establish himself as one of football’s greatest players and celebrated with him after Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.