Messi plays first football game after father's death
- On Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, Inter Miami lost to Club León and was eliminated from the Leagues Cup, with star forward Lionel Messi returning for his first match following his father's death.
- Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, died Saturday at 68. The forward missed Miami's previous match against Monterrey but subbed in at the start of the second half at the stadium, receiving a loud ovation.
- Daniel Pinter put Miami ahead in the 42nd minute before Club León's Daniel Arcila scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute. Juan Pablo Dom also scored for the winning side.
- Earlier Wednesday, Messi shared a tribute to his father on Instagram, writing "I don't know how to keep going" and expressing "serious doubts" about whether he will continue playing soccer professionally.
- The loss marks a second straight blown second-half lead for Inter Miami, which entered the match 12th in the MLS standings. The team was eliminated after winning the Leagues Cup in previous years.
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Less than a week after Jorge Messi’s death, Lionel returned to activity with Inter Miami. Casemiro thanked him for his commitment
Fans cheered for surprise return of Messi during Inter Miami's game
MIAMI, FLORIDA – AUGUST 12: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts during the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami CF and Leon at Nu Stadium on August 12, 2026 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Lionel Messi returned to the pitch for Inter Miami on Thursday night Danish time after the death of his father and after casting doubt over his football future.
La Pulga plays again a few days after the death of Jorge Messi. It was in the elimination of the Leagues Cup. The Casemiro flyer highlighted the Argentine's commitment to the campus.
Leo decided to be part of the crossing with the Mexican Lion, despite having traveled eight hours from Rosario to Miami after firing his father."That's why he's so big. That's why he's among the best in history, if not the best in history," said the Brazilian.
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