Messi makes substitute appearance for Inter Miami following father’s death

Lionel Messi made a substitute appearance for Inter Miami on Wednesday, returning to the pitch just days after the death of his father, Jorge. The 39-year-old forward came on at half-time during the club’s 3-2 defeat by Leon in the final group game of the Leagues Cup, drawing huge cheers from the crowd despite the team’s elimination.

Messi’s return follows a period of intense personal loss and public uncertainty regarding his future in football. In an emotional social media post, the Argentina captain stated he was "really not sure if I'll carry on doing it for much longer." This sentiment comes shortly after Jorge Messi, who served as Lionel’s agent since he was 14, passed away at the age of 68 following a long illness in Rosario, Argentina.

Jorge Messi had urged his son to play in one last World Cup despite his deteriorating health. Lionel attended a private funeral in Argentina on Sunday before flying back to the United States to make himself available to coach Guillermo Hoyos for the must-win match against the Mexican side. Messi had been absent for Miami’s previous 2-1 loss to Monterrey.

The result marks the first time Inter Miami has been knocked out in the opening phase of the Leagues Cup since the tournament expanded in 2023, the same year Messi arrived and helped the club lift the trophy. Argentina, captained by Messi, reached the final of this summer’s World Cup but were beaten 1-0 by Spain in extra time.

Teammate Yannick Bright, who scored Miami’s second goal, described Messi’s return as "incredible" and noted the squad’s desire to support their captain during a difficult time. Leon coach Javier Gandolfi also praised the Argentine, stating that Messi is a "human being that is different to the rest" and demonstrated his resilience on the day.