Lionel Messi makes major decision over Inter Miami return after family tragedy
Lionel Messi is set to remain in Argentina for the time being as Inter Miami wait to discover when their captain will be ready to return following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
The 39-year-old travelled back to his hometown of Rosario over the weekend after receiving the devastating news that his father had passed away at the age of 68 following a period of ill health.
Messi was given permission to leave Inter Miami immediately and joined his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, their three children and other members of the family in Argentina.
Jorge Messi was laid to rest in a private ceremony near Rosario on Sunday, with the family choosing to keep the funeral away from the public spotlight.
Now, attention has inevitably turned towards when Messi will return to the United States.
Messi has no date set for Inter Miami return
Reports emerging from Argentina indicate that Messi has decided to remain in Rosario with his family rather than immediately flying back to Miami.
There is currently no confirmed date for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to return to the United States or rejoin Inter Miami’s squad.
Inter Miami are understood to be giving their captain the time and space he needs, with his return to football expected to depend on when Messi feels ready to leave his family and resume his professional commitments.
That means his availability for the club’s upcoming fixtures remains uncertain.
Inter Miami are due to face Mexican side Club León on Wednesday, August 12 in their third match of the Leagues Cup 2026 Phase One.
As things stand, there has been no confirmation that Messi will be back in Florida in time to take part.
Inter Miami paid tribute to Messi and his father
Messi was absent as Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday night.
The match took place only hours after news of Jorge Messi’s death emerged.
Before kickoff, Inter Miami held a moment of silence, while the players wore black armbands in tribute to the father of their captain.
There was also an emotional gesture from Rodrigo De Paul.
The Argentina midfielder scored Inter Miami’s only goal of the night before revealing a Messi No.10 shirt underneath his own jersey as a message of support for his close friend and international teammate.
It was a powerful show of solidarity at an extremely difficult moment for the Argentine superstar.
A sudden interruption after Messi’s return to action
The circumstances have brought an abrupt pause to Messi’s return to club football following the 2026 World Cup.
After Argentina were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final on July 19, Messi was granted a period of rest before returning to Inter Miami training at the end of the month.
He made his first appearance after the tournament as a substitute in the 2-2 MLS draw with Columbus Crew before returning to the starting lineup in the Leagues Cup.
Messi then produced an immediate reminder of his importance to Inter Miami by scoring twice and providing an assist in a 4-2 victory over Atlético de San Luis on August 5.
Just days later, however, football became secondary as Messi rushed home to be with his family.
Does this mean Messi is leaving Inter Miami?
Despite some headlines suggesting Messi “will not return to Miami,” there is currently no indication that the Argentine has decided to leave Inter Miami or end his career in the United States.
The uncertainty concerns the timing of his return rather than his long-term future with the club.
Messi recently committed himself to Inter Miami by signing a contract extension running through the end of the 2028 MLS season.
At the time of the announcement, he spoke positively about continuing the project in Miami and playing at the club’s new home.
His current stay in Argentina should therefore be viewed as an indefinite period of compassionate leave rather than a change in his plans with Inter Miami.
When will Lionel Messi play again?
For now, there is no definitive answer.
Inter Miami continue their Leagues Cup campaign against Club León on Wednesday, but the club has not announced whether Messi will be available or when he is expected to travel back to the United States.
The decision is likely to be made according to Messi’s personal circumstances rather than the team’s sporting schedule.
For a player whose career has been governed by the relentless demands of elite football for more than two decades, Inter Miami appear prepared to give their captain as much time as he needs.
Only once Messi feels ready will attention turn back towards when the No.10 will be seen on the pitch again.
