Lionel Messi Makes Comeback After Father's Passing, Yet Inter Miami Eliminated from Leagues Cup

In a poignant return to the pitch, Lionel Messi faced a challenging match as Inter Miami fell to León with a score of 3-2, resulting in their elimination from the Leagues Cup. This match marked Messi's first appearance since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 at the age of 68 after a long illness. The Argentine football icon had recently traveled to his hometown of Rosario to mourn his father's death, making his return to the field a significant moment for both him and the fans.

Messi was initially listed among the substitutes but was brought on at halftime, receiving a warm welcome from the crowd at Miami's Nu Stadium. The match began positively for Miami, who took an early lead. However, León's Daniel Arcila turned the tide with two goals, securing the victory for his team and ensuring their advancement to the quarter-finals of the tournament, which features clubs from both Major League Soccer (MLS) and Liga MX.

Prior to this match, Messi had missed a crucial game against Monterrey, which Miami lost 2-1. His decision to play in this must-win situation was praised by his teammates. Yannick Bright, who contributed to Miami's scoring, described Messi's return as "incredible," emphasizing the team's desire to support their captain during this difficult time. Brazilian teammate Casemiro also commended Messi, stating that his willingness to play despite personal grief serves as an inspiration to the entire squad.

This defeat marks a notable moment for Inter Miami, as it is the first time they have been eliminated in the opening phase of the Leagues Cup since its expansion in 2023. Last year, Messi led the team to victory in the tournament, alongside fellow stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Miami had also reached the final in 2025 but faced a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Seattle Sounders, a match overshadowed by a post-game altercation that led to Luis Suarez's suspension for the current tournament.

In a heartfelt social media post on Wednesday morning, Messi paid tribute to his father, revealing his uncertainty about continuing his football career in the wake of such a profound loss. This emotional moment underscores the personal challenges he faces as he navigates his professional commitments.