Messi plays for Inter Miami after father's death

Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer, made a substitute appearance for Inter Miami on Wednesday, following the death of his father Jorge, who passed away in Argentina at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. The 39-year-old Messi, who has been considering his future in football, hinted at the possibility of retiring due to his emotional state.

After attending his father's private funeral, Messi returned to the United States and came on as a substitute during the second half of Inter Miami's match against Leon in the Leagues Cup final group game, which ended in a 3-2 defeat for Miami.

This is the first time Miami has been eliminated in the early stages of the competition since joining the Leagues Cup in 2023, the year Messi joined the team and they won the trophy. Messi's father, Jorge, was his agent since the age of 14, witnessing Messi's growth into one of the sport's greatest players and accompanying him during his captaincy of the Argentine national team, which reached the final of the 2022 World Cup but lost to Spain in extra time.

Expressing his emotions in a social media post, Messi expressed his uncertainty about continuing his football career due to his father's passing. His actions demonstrated the impact his father had on his life and career. Miami midfielder Yannick Bright praised Messi's decision to return, stating that it showcased the captain's dedication and care for the team.

Bright and his teammates were grateful to have Messi on the field, supporting their captain in this difficult time. However, they also acknowledged the immense pressure this situation placed on them, as they tried to stay close to Messi and provide him with the support he needed. Leon coach Javier Gandolfi acknowledged Messi's resilience, highlighting his ability to demonstrate his character even in such trying circumstances.