Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Messi Makes Emotional Return After Father's Death, Miami Eliminated
Lionel Messi is one of the best soccer players in the world.
He plays for a team called Inter Miami in the United States.
Recently, Messi's dad, Jorge Messi, passed away at the age of 68.
Jorge helped Messi a lot during his career and was also his agent.
Messi was very sad and wrote a special message to his dad on social media, saying he wasn't sure he wanted to keep playing football.
But he decided to play in a big tournament game against a team from Mexico called Leon.
When he came onto the field, the fans clapped and cheered to welcome him back.
His team lost the game 2 to 3, so they were knocked out of the tournament.
Even though they lost, it meant a lot to see Messi play again after such a sad time.
His return is an important first step, but no one knows yet if he will keep playing for much longer.
Lionel Messi made an emotional return for Inter Miami, coming on at half-time as a substitute in the Leagues Cup clash against Mexico's Leon.
It was his first appearance since his father and longtime representative Jorge Messi died at age 68 in Rosario; Messi attended the funeral on Sunday and flew back to Florida on Tuesday night.
Messi posted a social media tribute admitting serious doubts about continuing his football career, recalling how his father encouraged him to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Inter Miami lost 2-3 to Leon, who came from behind with two goals from Colombian Daniel Arcila, knocking Miami out of the Leagues Cup in the group phase.
Reports differ on the match day (Thursday in one account, Wednesday in another); teammates such as Yannick Bright and opponents like Leon coach Javier Gandolfi praised Messi's commitment.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami captain and Argentina star, following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who served as his representative for years.
- What
- Messi returned to the pitch in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup group match against Leon, his first appearance since his father's death; Inter Miami lost 2-3 and were eliminated from the tournament.
- When
- Articles differ on the day: one reports Thursday, another Wednesday. Jorge Messi died the previous week, the funeral was held on Sunday, and Messi flew back to Florida on Tuesday night.
- Where
- Inter Miami's Leagues Cup clash against Leon; Jorge Messi died in Rosario, Argentina.
- Why
- Messi answered the call to return despite his grief and serious doubts about continuing his career, after his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and supported him throughout his career.
- Player
- Lionel Messi
- Club
- Inter Miami
- Opponent
- Leon (Mexico)
- Competition
- Leagues Cup
- Result
- Inter Miami 2-3 Leon (Miami eliminated)
- Father
- Jorge Messi, died at age 68 in Rosario
- Appearance
- Substitute who came on at half-time
- Leon milestone
- First team to qualify for the Leagues Cup quarter-finals
