MIAMI: Argentina superstar Lionel Messi made an emotional return to football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, but his comeback ended in disappointment as Inter Miami were knocked out of the Leagues Cup after losing 3-2 to Mexico’s Club León.
Messi returned to the squad after attending his father’s funeral and entered the match in the second half, receiving a warm reception from the home crowd. His return came only a few days after the death of Jorge Messi, who was 68 and had played a significant role in his son’s career.
Inter Miami initially took the lead, but León fought back through Daniel Arcila, who scored twice, including the decisive goal late in the match. Juan Domínguez also found the net as León completed a 3-2 comeback victory.
Messi had been listed among Inter Miami’s substitutes and came on at the start of the second half. Despite his limited time on the field, he created opportunities and helped his side push for an equalizer, but Miami were unable to recover from León’s late winner.
Before returning to action, Messi had shared an emotional tribute to his late father on social media and acknowledged the uncertainty he was experiencing about continuing his football career following the loss.
The defeat brought Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign to an early end. The club won the competition in 2023, during Messi’s first season with the team, and reached the final again in 2025, when they lost 3-0 to Seattle Sounders.
For Messi, the match marked a deeply emotional return to competitive football, but it ultimately ended with Inter Miami’s elimination from the tournament.
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