Lionel Messi (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Lionel Messi has reportedly stepped away from professional duties following the death of his father, Jorge, with no date currently set for his return to Inter Miami.
Spremljajte Nogomanio kot prednostni vir na Googlu
Dodajte Nogomanio med priljubjene vire v Google News in
prejemajte najpomembnejše nogometne novice med prvimi.
Lionel Messi is going through one of the most difficult periods of his life. Following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, the Argentine superstar has reportedly decided to step away from professional football duties indefinitely to remain with his family.
Jorge Messi died in Rosario at the age of 68 following a long illness.
His death represents an enormous personal loss for the Argentina captain. Jorge was far more than Lionel's father throughout his career. He was also his long-time manager, adviser and one of the central figures behind many of the biggest decisions of his professional life.
After the funeral, Messi decided to remain in Rosario for several more days with his family.
No date has been set for Messi's return
According to reports, including information published by Foot Mercato, Messi has temporarily withdrawn from his professional commitments.
There is currently no confirmed date for his return to Inter Miami.
The decision has inevitably raised questions about when the 39-year-old will play again, but there is an important distinction.
Messi has not announced his retirement from football.
Nor has he publicly indicated that he intends to end his playing career following his father's death.
At this stage, the length of his absence remains unknown. Messi has simply chosen to put his professional responsibilities aside while he spends time with those closest to him.
His Argentina teammates are supporting him
Messi has received support from friends and former teammates across the football world.
Several members of Argentina's historic generation have reportedly been close to their long-time captain during this difficult period.
Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Otamendi and Rodrigo de Paul have either already been with Messi or are expected to offer their support personally.
The connection between the players extends far beyond football after years spent together with the Argentine national team.
One particularly emotional gesture came from De Paul.
De Paul's emotional tribute to Messi
During Inter Miami's League Cup match against Monterrey, De Paul found the net and used his celebration to send a message to his friend.
After scoring, the midfielder removed his shirt.
Underneath, he was wearing a Messi No.10 jersey.
De Paul displayed the famous number as a public gesture of support for his teammate while Messi remained with his family in Argentina.
Jorge Messi was beside his son from the beginning
Jorge's importance in Lionel Messi's story stretches back to the earliest stages of his son's career.
He supported Lionel during his childhood in Argentina and played a crucial role when the family faced one of the most important decisions of their lives: leaving Rosario for Barcelona.
Jorge later became closely involved in his son's professional career, managing negotiations and business matters as Lionel developed from an extraordinary young talent into one of football's greatest players.
He remained an important figure through Messi's legendary years at Barcelona, his move to Paris Saint-Germain and eventually his transfer to Inter Miami.
For now, none of those professional matters are Messi's priority.
Football will wait. Lionel Messi has chosen to remain with his family, and there is currently no timetable for his return to the pitch.