Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Wednesday, coming off the bench in the second half of the club’s 3-2 defeat to Mexican side Leon in the Leagues Cup.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain had missed Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Monterrey on Saturday after travelling to Argentina for the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, who died last week at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness.
Messi returned to the United States after Sunday’s private funeral and made himself available for the crucial clash with Leon. He was introduced at half-time to a huge reception from the Miami crowd.
His return comes days after Messi paid an emotional tribute to his father on social media, admitting that he was uncertain about how much longer he would continue playing football.
Jorge had served as Messi’s agent since the forward was 14 and remained a key figure throughout his career, including during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.
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Messi revealed that his father had encouraged him to play at one more World Cup despite his declining health. Argentina, however, fell 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final of this summer’s tournament.
Wednesday’s defeat also ended Inter Miami’s hopes of progressing from the opening stage of the Leagues Cup for the first time since the competition was expanded in 2023. Miami won the tournament that year following Messi’s arrival.
Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright described Messi’s decision to return as “incredible” and said the squad was determined to support their captain during the difficult period.
Leon coach Javier Gandolfi also praised Messi, describing him as a unique human being and saying his return demonstrated his character once again.
With Messi yet to make a final decision on his playing future, questions over his retirement are expected to remain as the football icon weighs his next step following the loss of his father.
