Lionel Messi has spoken out after hinting he might retire from professional football following the loss of his father.
On 13 August 2026, Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine football star, returned to play for Inter Miami, his Major League Soccer club in the United States, following the grief of losing his father.
Yesterday (12 August), Lionel Messi posted on his personal Instagram, leaving a hint that he might retire from football after his father, Jorge Messi, passed away in Rosario, Argentina, his hometown, last week at the age of 68 after a long illness.
In his heartfelt post, Messi expressed that he is considering his future in football, stating, "I really don't know how much longer I can keep playing."
After a private funeral in Argentina on Sunday, Messi returned to the United States and was brought on as a substitute during halftime amid loud cheers from fans.
However, Messi and Inter Miami lost 2-3 to León in the final group stage match of the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring teams from Major League Soccer in the U.S. and Liga MX in Mexico.
This result officially eliminated Inter Miami from the Leagues Cup, after previously beating Atlético San Luis 4-2 and losing to Monterrey 1-2. Inter Miami had won this tournament in 2023.
Lionel Messi has yet to make a clear announcement regarding how much longer he plans to continue his professional football career.
*Thanks to Instagram: leomessi for the photo
