Messi returns to Miami ahead of Leagues Cup clash despite career doubts
The 39-year-old posted an emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, while the club faces a must-win scenario against Leon to progress in the tournament.
Lionel Messi has returned to Miami from Argentina and is available to come off the bench for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup group stage match against Leon on Wednesday. The 39-year-old arrived in the city on Tuesday night, having travelled to his hometown near Rosario to attend the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, on Sunday.
Messi’s father, who also served as his agent, died last week at the age of 68. In an emotional tribute posted to social media on Wednesday, the Argentina captain expressed significant uncertainty regarding his future in the sport. “I don't know what I'll do without you, I don't know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer,” Messi wrote.
Despite the personal tragedy, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos has made the star player available for the team’s final attempt to reach the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, a competition featuring sides from Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX. Messi is expected to be substituted into the match rather than starting, following the team’s previous defeat.
Inter Miami currently sits third in their group with three points. The club lost their second group stage match 2-1 to Monterrey without Messi in the lineup. To advance to the knockout stage, Miami must defeat Leon and hope for other results to fall in their favour on Wednesday.
The squad faces additional personnel challenges ahead of the fixture. Forwards Luis Suarez is suspended, while German Berterame is unavailable due to a concussion. Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Brazilian Casemiro are set to start the match at Nu Stadium.
