Messi returns as Inter Miami bow out
Lionel Messi returned to action four days after the death of his father, but his comeback could not prevent Inter Miami from being eliminated from the Leagues Cup after a 3-2 defeat by Club León in Florida. Messi entered as a substitute at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, following several emotionally demanding days during which he travelled to Argentina for the funeral of his father, Jorge…
Lionel Messi made his return to action four days after his father's death, but it was not enough to help Inter Miami advance in the League Cup. The Argentine captain entered the match as a substitute against Club León on August 12, following a series of emotionally challenging days spent with his late father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, who passed away in Rosario at 68, had been a constant presence in his son's life, guiding him throughout his football career as an adviser, representative, and companion.
Before the game, Messi released a heartfelt tribute to his father, expressing his uncertainty about continuing his football career without him. Inter Miami needed a regulation win to stay in contention for the quarter-finals, but they fell short as León staged an impressive comeback. The match ended 3-2 in favor of León, who advanced to the knockout stage while Inter Miami exited the competition with a 3-2 loss.
Messi's participation highlighted the significant emotional weight he carried during the match. The defeat marked the end of Inter Miami's promising run in the League Cup, which had previously seen them win the inaugural expanded edition in 2023 and claim the MLS Cup in 2025.
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