Messi returns after father’s death as Inter Miami exit Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi returned to action on August 12 following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, but could not prevent Inter Miami from being knocked out of the Leagues Cup after a 3–2 defeat to Mexico’s León.

Messi flew back to Florida from Argentina on August 11 after attending his father’s funeral and came on at half-time to a huge ovation from the crowd.

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The 39-year-old had earlier paid an emotional tribute to his father on social media, saying he was unsure whether he wanted to continue playing football.

“I don’t know what I’ll do without you; I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote. “I just played football and, now, I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer.”

Jorge Messi played an important role in his son’s career and served as his agent for several years.

Messi also said his father had encouraged him to play at the recent World Cup, where Argentina lost the final to Spain in extra time.

He said he wanted to win the tournament for his father but admitted he had struggled physically during the competition.

Despite Messi’s return, Inter Miami could not hold on to their early lead against León. They went ahead 1–0 before Colombian Daniel Arcila scored twice to give the Mexican side a 3–2 win.

The defeat ended Miami’s hopes of reaching the quarter-finals and marked their first elimination in the opening stage of the Leagues Cup since the tournament was expanded in 2023.

Miami won the competition in 2023 after Messi joined the club but lost 3–0 to Seattle Sounders in last year’s final.