Messi Returns to Inter Miami Four Days After Father's Death, Team Eliminated

Lionel Messi returned to the pitch for Inter Miami on Wednesday, merely four days after his father Jorge Messi died in a Rosario hospital. He was subbed in at halftime of the 3-2 defeat to Club León, a result that eliminated Miami from the Leagues Cup group stage. Hours before the match, Messi posted an emotional farewell to his father and voiced doubts about how long he could continue playing.

During his half-hour on the field, he generated four opportunities and fired three shots on target, but could not alter the outcome. The elimination marks the first time the club has failed to reach the tournament knockout rounds since Messi arrived in 2023. With the cup exit, Miami now focuses on the MLS Supporters' Shield race, trailing Nashville SC by two points ahead of their upcoming clash at GEODIS Park. Coach Guillermo Hoyos' handling of Messi's minutes in the next MLS match will signal the player's short-term availability and possible long-term plans.