Lionel Messi returns for Inter Miami after father’s death as side exit Leagues Cup
Argentina captain Lionel Messi played his first game for Inter Miami since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on Wednesday night.
Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 after a period of illness. Messi was introduced as a 46th-minute substitute in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Club Leon. He received a loud ovation from the crowd inside the stadium.
The 38-year-old was unable to produce a decisive contribution as Miami lost 3-2. The result eliminated the side from the knockout stages of the tournament. Inter Miami had earlier beaten Atletico San Luis and lost to CF Monterrey. They reached the final of last year’s competition and won the 2023 edition of the Leagues Cup.
Returning to competitive action so soon after a family bereavement is a personal decision as much as a professional one. Messi’s introduction at half-time allowed him to re-enter the team environment while the contest was still alive. The ovation reflected public recognition of both his standing and the circumstances of his return. The result, however, ended Miami’s interest in the current Leagues Cup.
The structural reality for the club is that Messi’s availability remains central to its competitive prospects. His first appearance since the loss of his father closes one chapter of absence and reopens the question of how consistently he can influence matches in the remainder of the season. For now the record shows a substitute appearance, a defeat, and an early exit from a competition the club has previously contested deep into the latter stages.
