Inter Miami Eliminated from Leagues Cup Following Defeat to Leon
Messi hinted at retirement after father’s death but made himself available for coach Guillermo Hoyos as Miami’s campaign ends in group stage
Inter Miami’s hopes for the Leagues Cup were extinguished on Wednesday night following a 3-2 defeat to Mexican side Leon, a result that eliminated the MLS club from the tournament in the group stage. The match marked the first time Miami has been knocked out in the opening phase since the competition expanded in 2023.
The contest was overshadowed by the personal circumstances of captain Lionel Messi, who returned to Florida from Argentina only hours after attending the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, who served as his son’s agent, passed away last week at the age of 68.
On Wednesday morning, Messi posted an emotional tribute on social media, stating he had "serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer" in the sport. Despite this uncertainty, Messi made himself available to coach Guillermo Hoyos for the must-win final group match, having been absent during Saturday’s loss to Monterrey.
Messi came on as a second-half substitute to a significant ovation. Although Inter Miami took an early 1-0 lead, Leon responded with two goals from Daniel Arcila to secure the victory and qualify for the quarterfinals.
The match drew praise for the respect shown to Messi by the opposition. Leon coach Javier Gandolfi described the Argentine as "a human being that is different to the rest" for playing through personal grief. Leon player Jhohan Romaña embraced Messi during the game, a gesture the Mexican club’s social media channel characterised as an expression of affection from the football community.
Teammates also highlighted the squad’s support for their captain. Yannick Bright, who scored one of Miami’s goals, said he wanted to give his "150 percent" for Messi, while Brazilian midfielder Casemiro called his teammate "an example for all of us" in his commitment to the team during a difficult period.
Miami’s elimination ends a tournament run that began with high expectations. The club won the Leagues Cup in 2023 shortly after Messi arrived alongside Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. They reached the 2025 final but lost 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders, a match marred by a post-game brawl that resulted in Luis Suarez being suspended for this year’s edition.
