Lionel Messi returns to action with Inter Miami after father’s passing
The Argentine star returned to the pitch after raising doubts about his future in football, but couldn't save the Herons from elimination La entrada Lionel Messi returns to action with Inter Miami after father’s passing se publicó primero en Buenos Aires Herald .
Lionel Messi resumed his football career on Wednesday after his father, Jorge, passed away on Saturday. In a letter shared on Instagram, Messi expressed his uncertainty about continuing to play the sport he loved so deeply. He appeared for Inter Miami in their final group-stage match of the 2026 Leagues Cup, which the team lost 3-2 to Mexico’s León. The match marked Messi’s return to action after spending several days in Argentina with his family to say their final goodbyes to his father at a private ceremony on Sunday.
Messi was included on Inter Miami’s substitutes’ bench and came on as a substitute in the second half, replacing Daniel Pintér, who had scored the opening goal. Despite Messi’s effort, the team couldn’t secure a win as they conceded twice before Daniel Arcilla’s 85th-minute goal secured the victory for León and Inter Miami’s elimination from the tournament.
Although Messi was subdued during his time on the field, registering only one shot on target that was saved, he took one corner that he aimed directly at goalkeeper Oscar García. Currently, Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until December 2028, though the contract includes opt-out clauses for 2026 and 2027. Rumors have surfaced about Messi potentially returning to Argentina to play for his childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, which would allow him to be closer to his family. However, no serious offers or approaches have been reported yet.
Written by urgent.news from Buenos Aires Herald's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
