Messi trains with Inter Miami after father's death ahead of MLS return
Synopsis
Days after losing his father Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi was back on the training pitch for Inter Miami — and his coach Guillermo Hoyos is asking the world to let him grieve in silence. The image of football's greatest player suiting up as a halftime substitute just days after a private memorial in Rosario says more than any statement could.
Key Takeaways
Jorge Messi , aged 68 , died on 8 August at a hospital in Rosario , Argentina.
Lionel Messi attended a private memorial in Rosario before returning to Miami and rejoining the squad.
Messi came on as a halftime substitute in the Leagues Cup match against Club León at Nu Stadium .
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos publicly appealed for 'silence, tranquillity, and peace' for Messi.
Messi trained with the team on 14 August ahead of the MLS fixture against Nashville SC on Saturday at Geodis Park .
Inter Miami next travel to face Philadelphia Union the following Wednesday.
Lionel Messi returned to training with Inter Miami on Friday, 14 August, as the club prepares for its Major League Soccer (MLS) fixture against Nashville SC on Saturday at Geodis Park. The Argentine forward is easing back into competitive football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, aged 68, on 8 August at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina.
Club Appeals for Privacy and Space
Inter Miami officials have urged fans and media to respect Messi's need for time and quiet as he works through his grief. Head coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed reporters on Friday, stressing that the healing process cannot be rushed.
'I think everything needs to unfold gradually; there is deep pain involved, and this isn't something that changes overnight,' Hoyos said. 'So, I believe silence is the best approach: silence, tranquillity, and peace, allowing him to find his own moments. We need to stand by him, sharing in that silence; to me, silence is important, and that helps one eventually find a way forward. He is truly a wonderful person, and he has a wonderful family.'
Messi's Return to Action
Messi travelled to Rosario last weekend and, according to reports from Argentina, attended a private memorial service for his father. He returned to Miami and rejoined the squad for the Leagues Cup match against Club León on Wednesday at Nu Stadium, coming on as a halftime substitute to complete the second 45 minutes after starting the game on the bench.
His willingness to play so soon after a personal loss drew an emotional response from his coach. 'There are no words,' Hoyos said. 'I can't find a label for his worth as a person. We aren't talking about his value as a player, but his worth as a wonderful human being with a huge heart. Sometimes, words just aren't enough.'
Upcoming Fixtures and Schedule
Following Saturday's MLS clash against Nashville SC at Geodis Park, Inter Miami are scheduled to travel to face Philadelphia Union the following Wednesday. The back-to-back fixtures will test Messi's physical and emotional readiness as the club's season gathers momentum.
Who Jorge Messi Was
Jorge Messi was widely regarded as the architect of Lionel's career, serving as his son's agent and closest confidant for decades. He was instrumental in negotiating Messi's move to FC Barcelona as a child and remained a constant presence throughout his professional life. His passing at 68 marks a profound personal loss for one of football's greatest figures.
Point of View
Days after burying his father — is being framed as a tribute to Jorge Messi's lifelong role as the engine behind his son's career. But it also raises a quiet question about the pressures elite athletes face to perform through grief, regardless of the circumstances. Hoyos's public appeal for 'silence' is unusual in the media-saturated world of MLS and reflects how singular Messi's situation is. The club is walking a careful line between honouring a grieving man and maintaining a competitive schedule that does not pause for personal loss.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Lionel Messi's father Jorge Messi die?
Jorge Messi died on 8 August at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. He was 68 years old.
How has Inter Miami responded to Jorge Messi's passing?
Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos publicly appealed for fans and media to give Lionel Messi privacy, calling for 'silence, tranquillity, and peace' as the player works through his grief.
Has Messi returned to playing for Inter Miami?
Yes. Messi returned to Miami after attending a private memorial in Rosario and came on as a halftime substitute in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Club León at Nu Stadium. He also resumed training on 14 August.
What are Inter Miami's next MLS fixtures?
Inter Miami face Nashville SC on Saturday at Geodis Park, followed by a trip to play Philadelphia Union the following Wednesday.
Who was Jorge Messi?
Jorge Messi was Lionel Messi's father and long-time agent, widely credited with shaping his son's career from an early age, including facilitating his move to FC Barcelona as a child.
