Messi returns after father’s death as Inter Miami exit Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi made an emotional return Wednesday following his father’s death and hints at retirement, but it wasn’t enough for his Inter Miami side who were knocked out of the Leagues Cup in a 3-2 loss to Mexico’s Leon.

Messi flew back to Florida from Argentina on Tuesday night after attending the funeral of his father, Jorge, on Sunday and came on at half-time to a massive ovation.

Jorge, who was his son’s agent, died last week at the age of 68.

On Wednesday morning, Messi posted an emotional tribute to his father on social media, admitting that he wasn’t sure he wanted to continue playing football.

Miami led 1-0 but two goals from Colombian Daniel Arcila fueled Leon’s come-from-behind victory, which made them the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament between MLS and LigaMx clubs.

Messi had made himself available to Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos for the must-win final group match, having been absent when they lost to Monterrey on Saturday.

Yannick Bright, who scored one of Miami’s goals, called Messi’s return “incredible,” adding he and other teammates just wanted to support their captain.

Bright said: “I wasn’t expecting it. It shows how much he cares. When I saw he was here, all I was thinking about was to give my 150 per cent for him.

“It’s a tough situation. We try to stay close to him and support him as much as we can, but it’s a lot.”

Brazilian teammate Casemiro, who joined Miami after the World Cup, said Messi was “an example for all of us” in his commitment to playing during such a difficult time personally.

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Leon coach Javier Gandolfi echoed those thoughts, saying: “He demonstrated once more what he’s made of. He is a human being that is different to the rest.”

It is the first time Miami have been knocked out in the opening phase since the Leagues Cup was expanded in 2023.

Miami lifted the trophy that year with Messi, shortly after he arrived at the Florida franchise alongside Spaniards Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Miami reached the 2025 final but were beaten 3-0 by the Seattle Sounders – a match marked by a brawl after the final whistle which led to Luis Suarez being suspended for all of this year’s tournament.