Messi’s relationship with Argentina was built through repeated disappointments. He reached the 2014 World Cup final and lost to Germany. He then suffered defeats in the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals against Chile. Having lost three consecutive major finals, Messi announced his international retirement. However, it wasn’t meant to be the end as he reversed his decision a couple months later and so began the quest for the unfinished business.

Lionel Messi appears to be at peace following the death of his father earlier this month, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos told reporters on Tuesday.

Ronaldo and Messi spent almost two decades at the centre of football's greatest individual rivalry, competing for major trophies and individual honours while representing Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

Despite his grief, the Inter Miami forward pledged to honour his father's memory through parenting his own children.

Argentina football icon Lionel Messi bid farewell Sunday to his father Jorge, the global star's emotional anchor and agent since childhood who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68.

After scoring against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday, the Argentine midfielder removed his shirt to reveal Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey underneath, dedicating his goal to his close friend and captain.

Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario to bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 on Friday.

Lionel Messi was missing following the death of his father as Inter Miami lost 2-1 to visiting Monterrey on Saturday in a Leagues Cup match.

Jorge had been there for the uncertainty, the loneliness, the criticism, the triumphs and the setbacks.

Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's childhood club Newell's Old Boys announced on Saturday.

Speculation over the health of 68-year-old Jorge Messi has intensified after Argentina skipper Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals in a 3-0 World Cup victory over Algeria on Tuesday.

Messi's father Jorge has denied the reports and said nothing will be decided until the end of the season.

"I don't think so, the conditions aren't right," Jorge Messi told reporters at Barcelona airport.