Lionel Messi returned to the Inter Miami line-up after missing the team’s previous game following the demise of his father, Jorge Messi. The Argentine superstar had travelled to Argentina to attend his father’s funeral near Rosario on Sunday and spent time with his family during the difficult period.
Messi was named among the substitutes for Inter Miami’s crucial Leagues Cup group-stage clash against Mexican side Leon before returning to the field in the second half. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner replaced Daniel Pintor as Inter Miami looked to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
However, Messi’s return could not prevent Inter Miami from being knocked out of the Leagues Cup as Leon secured a thrilling 3-2 victory. Miami took the lead in the 54th minute, but Leon produced a strong comeback to turn the game around. Daniel Arcila scored twice for Leon, including the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, while Juan Pablo Dominguez struck in the 61st minute to make it 2-2. Arcila then completed his brace late in the match to seal Leon’s comeback win.
Daniel Pinter and Yannick Bright were on target for Inter Miami, but their goals were not enough to secure a win. Messi, returning after his father’s death, came on in the second half but struggled to make a significant impact as Leon completed a comeback to knock Miami out of the Leagues Cup.
For Messi, the match marked his first appearance for Inter Miami since returning from Argentina, but his comeback ended in disappointment as the MLS side’s Leagues Cup campaign came to an early conclusion.
On Wednesday, he posted an emotional tribute to his father on social media, saying he had "serious doubts" about continuing his career for "much longer."
"I don't know what I'll do without you, I don't know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer," the Argentinian, 39, wrote.
Messi's father, who was also his agent, died last week aged 68.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Messi made himself available for Inter Miami’s crucial Leagues Cup clash against Leon. The Argentine was eager to help coach Guillermo Hoyos’ side in their final group-stage match, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake in the competition involving MLS and Liga MX clubs.
Miami were without Messi when they lost their second group stage match against Monterrey 2-1.
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More
