Lionel Messi has returned to action with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer just 10 days after Argentina’s heartbreaking World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey. The 39-year-old forward, however, has been absent from several key matches and events due to personal reasons, including mourning the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi. His return comes amid speculation over his future in the sport, particularly given the emotional toll of losing his father, who died on Saturday after a long illness. Messi missed Inter Miami’s first two games following the World Cup break, which included matches against Chicago Fire and Montreal Impact. He also sat out the MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte. His absence coincided with the period during which his father was hospitalized earlier this summer, and Messi expressed deep sorrow over his father’s death in a heartfelt message shared on social media. In the post, Messi questioned whether he would continue his playing career for much longer, citing the profound impact of his father’s passing on his life and profession. Jorge Messi, who was instrumental in shaping his son’s career both personally and professionally, had recently taken a turn for the worse while the family prepared for the World Cup. He had encouraged Messi to participate in the tournament, believing he could still enjoy the experience despite his health struggles. However, he was unable to attend the final, which Argentina ultimately lost to Spain. Messi described the emotional weight of competing without his father’s presence, stating that he felt physically and mentally drained during the final and was unable to push himself further. Inter Miami’s roster includes several high-profile signings, such as Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who joined the club to strengthen an already formidable lineup featuring Luis Suárez. Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski has made headlines by joining Chicago Fire after his successful tenure with Barcelona. These additions highlight the competitive nature of MLS, where veteran stars continue to attract attention and lucrative contracts despite being beyond their peak years. According to salary data from multiple sources, including salaryleaks.com, capology.com, and spotrac.com, Messi earns $545,000 per week, making him the highest-paid player in MLS for 2026. Casemiro and Robert Lewandowski follow closely behind with weekly earnings of $325,000 each. Other notable names on the list include Son Heung-min of LAFC, who earns $214,000 per week, and Rodrigo De Paul of Inter Miami, who makes $186,000 weekly. The rankings reflect the financial power of MLS teams in attracting global talent, with players from diverse backgrounds contributing to the league’s growing stature. Despite his emotional turmoil, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, indicating his commitment to the club despite uncertainties about his future in the game. His father had played a pivotal role in his career, serving as his agent and business manager, and his influence continues to resonate within the family. Messi’s reflections on his father’s legacy underscore the deep connection between the two, highlighting the personal stakes involved in his ongoing journey as a professional athlete. Messi’s emotional state has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike, who are monitoring his performance and mental health closely. While his current focus appears to be on honoring his father’s memory, the uncertainty surrounding his future in soccer remains a topic of discussion. As the new MLS season progresses, observers will be keen to see how Messi navigates this challenging chapter in his life and career.
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