Lionel Messi made an emotional return for Inter Miami on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, following the death of his father, but his comeback could not prevent the MLS side from being eliminated from the Leagues Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Mexico’s Leon.
The Miami captain had travelled to Argentina for the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, who died last week at the age of 68. He returned to Florida on Tuesday night and was introduced at half-time to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Earlier on Wednesday, Messi shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing deep grief and uncertainty about his future in football.
In the message, he wrote that he did not know how to continue without his father and admitted he had serious doubts about playing for much longer.
Inter Miami had taken a 1-0 lead, but Colombian forward Daniel Arcila scored twice to inspire Leon’s comeback victory. The result made the Mexican club the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament involving MLS and Liga MX clubs.
Messi had been absent from Miami’s previous match, a defeat to Monterrey on Saturday, but made himself available for the decisive final group game.
Midfielder Yannick Bright, who scored one of Miami’s goals, described Messi’s return as “incredible” and said the players wanted to give everything for their captain during such a difficult period.
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who recently joined Inter Miami, said Messi’s decision to play despite his personal loss showed why he is an example to his teammates.
Leon coach Javier Gandolfi also praised the Argentine star, saying Messi once again demonstrated exceptional character.
The defeat means Inter Miami have been eliminated in the opening phase of the Leagues Cup for the first time since the competition was expanded in 2023.
Miami won the tournament in 2023 shortly after Messi arrived at the club alongside Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The team also reached the 2025 final, where they lost 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders. That match ended in a post-match altercation, and Luis Suarez was subsequently suspended for the entirety of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
