Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos emphasized the need for privacy as Lionel Messi navigates a return to football following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge Messi died on Aug. 8 at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario. He was 68.
“I think everything needs to unfold gradually; there is deep pain involved, and this isn’t something that changes overnight,” Hoyos said on Friday.
“So, I believe silence is the best approach, silence, tranquility, and peace, allowing him to find his own moments. We need to stand by him, sharing in that silence; to me, silence is important, that helps one eventually find a way forward. He is truly a wonderful person, and he has a wonderful family.”
Read more:Lionel Messi back on Miami bench after dad’s death
Messi arrived by plane Saturday night in Rosario, where reports in Argentina said he attended a private memorial service. He returned to Miami, and rejoined Inter Miami for the Leagues Cup game against Club León on Wednesday at Nu Stadium.
Messi started the match against León on the bench, before being used as a halftime substitute to play the second 45 minutes. He received a standing ovation from Nu Stadium as he made his way onto the pitch.
“There are no words,” Hoyos said about Messi’s commitment to the team. “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.”
Read more:Lionel Messi pays tribute to late father Jorge for impact on his career in Instagram post
Messi trained with the rest of the team on Friday morning as Inter Miami prepares to face Nashville SC on Saturday in MLS action.
When asked how Hoyos would manage Messi’s minutes and communication with the team captain for the upcoming matches, the Inter Miami manager reiterated the importance of silence.
“There are things that are deeply private. Just as each of you has your own private matters,” Hoyos said. “If I were to come along and ask you a series of questions, you might say, ‘This is private.’
Read more:Coach: No timetable for Lionel Messi’s Miami return after father’s death
“That’s why I mention silence; it’s something many people don’t value. They love to talk and offer opinions. But for me personally, it’s about truly respecting those boundaries. He is simply someone facing challenges, which is only natural, and we respect that deeply.”
After the match at Geodis Park, Miami travel to play Philadelphia Union next Wednesday.
