Messi Returns to Field Four Days After Father’s Passing, Inter Miami Exits Leagues Cup
Fort Lauderdale, FL – August 14, 2024 – In a poignant display of both personal grief and unwavering professional commitment, football icon Lionel Messi made a surprising return to the pitch for Inter Miami on Wednesday, August 12. His appearance, just four days after the tragic passing of his father, Jorge Messi, came in a critical Leagues Cup fixture against Club León. Despite an emotionally charged second-half substitute performance, Messi could not prevent Inter Miami from suffering a 3-2 defeat, ending their aspirations in the tournament.
Messi’s expedited return was unexpected, given his recent journey to Rosario, Argentina, to attend his father’s funeral. Jorge Messi, aged 68, passed away on August 8 after a prolonged illness. A pivotal figure in his son’s illustrious career, Jorge served as Messi’s agent and meticulously managed his business affairs from the nascent stages of his ascendancy to global superstardom.
Named among the substitutes, Lionel Messi entered the fray at the commencement of the second half. His arrival on the field at Miami’s Nu Stadium was met with a resounding ovation from the fans, acknowledging the immense personal sacrifice inherent in his presence.
This return was particularly poignant in light of Messi’s own public statements concerning his future in football. Earlier on Wednesday, in a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Messi expressed profound uncertainty: "I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on. I only played football, and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for much longer."
The 39-year-old maestro also reflected on the unique and multifaceted relationship he shared with Jorge, who transcended the role of a mere father, remaining deeply involved in every facet of his professional journey. "You were my dad, my friend and my representative," Messi wrote, recalling his father’s unwavering dedication in taking him to training sessions and ensuring his presence at every match.
Jorge Messi’s instrumental role in his son’s career spanned from Messi’s formative years in Rosario to his emergence as arguably the greatest footballer of all time. He consistently served as a trusted advisor and meticulously managed his son’s affairs throughout his unparalleled career.
Prior to his unexpected comeback, Messi had taken a brief leave from Inter Miami following his father’s death. He had traveled to Argentina over the weekend, consequently missing Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Monterrey on Saturday.
Despite Messi’s emotional return, Inter Miami ultimately failed to secure progression in the Leagues Cup. Club León orchestrated a spirited second-half comeback, clinching a 3-2 victory and advancing to the knockout stage.
Inter Miami initially took the lead in the 42nd minute through Dániel Pintér, assisted by Ian Fray. However, León responded decisively. Daniel Arcila scored twice, including the decisive goal in the 83rd minute, while Juan Pablo Domínguez also found the net. Yannick Bright contributed Inter Miami’s second goal.
Arcila’s first strike came in the 50th minute, finishing adeptly from the center of the box. He then secured León’s victory in the 83rd minute, completing a remarkable turnaround after Miami had held a halftime lead.
Messi, who came on for Dániel Pintér at the start of the second half, played the entirety of the second period. Despite his efforts, he was unable to prevent Miami from suffering another defeat after surrendering their lead.
The result abruptly ended Inter Miami’s hopes of another deep run in the Leagues Cup. The Herons had previously triumphed in the tournament in 2023 and reached the final in the preceding year.
Their prospects of advancing this time were already tenuous, as they entered the match 12th in the MLS standings following the loss to Monterrey. Under the competition’s format, only the top four teams from the MLS standings and the top four from Liga MX progress to the quarterfinals.
Conversely, Club León surged to the top of the Liga MX standings following their opening two victories in the tournament, demonstrating formidable early form.
