Messi Returns to Inter Miami Squad Amid Career Uncertainty

Lionel Messi has made his first on-pitch appearance since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, by coming off the bench as a second-half substitute in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Léon. The 39-year-old striker arrived in Miami on Tuesday night, having travelled to Argentina to attend his father’s funeral in Perez, near Rosario, on Sunday.

Jorge Messi, who served as Lionel’s agent throughout his career, passed away last week at the age of 68. In an emotional Instagram post following the loss, the Argentina superstar expressed serious doubts about his future in the sport, stating he did not know how to carry on without his father’s support.

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos made Messi available for the team’s final attempt to reach the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup. The squad currently sits third in their group with three points, facing additional personnel challenges with Luis Suarez suspended and German Berterame unavailable due to a concussion.

Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Brazilian Casemiro are set to start the match at Nu Stadium. Messi is expected to be substituted into the fixture rather than starting, following the team’s previous defeat in the competition.

The return comes shortly after Messi led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup Final, where they suffered a 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in July. He is one of just two players to appear in six World Cups, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, and tallied eight goals and four assists across eight matches in the tournament.

Messi is in the midst of his third full-time season and fourth season altogether with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Through 15 matches in the 2026 MLS season, he has recorded 12 goals and seven assists.

Fox Sports reported on the developments surrounding Messi’s return and the club’s strategic decisions regarding the squad’s availability for the remaining group stage fixtures.