Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Messi scores first goal since father’s death in Miami draw
Lionel Messi scored for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union.
It was his first goal since his father, Jorge Messi, died on August 8.
Messi had traveled to Argentina for his father’s funeral before returning to his team.
He scored in the 26th minute and helped Miami take a 2-1 lead.
He also assisted on Miami’s first goal.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw.
This stopped Miami’s three-game losing streak, but the team still had not won in four matches.
Messi’s coach said he looked calm and comfortable while playing.
Lionel Messi scored in the 26th minute of Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union in Pennsylvania.
The goal was Messi’s first since his father, Jorge Messi, died in Argentina on August 8 at age 68.
Messi also assisted Inter Miami’s first goal and helped the team take a 2-1 lead before halftime.
Inter Miami’s draw ended a three-game losing streak but extended its winless run to four matches.
The goal was Messi’s 13th of the season, leaving him one behind Petar Musa in the MLS Golden Boot race.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Philadelphia Union, and Messi’s late father, Jorge Messi.
- What
- Messi scored his first goal since his father’s death during Inter Miami’s 2-2 MLS draw with Philadelphia Union.
- When
- The match took place on Wednesday; Jorge Messi died on August 8, and Messi had previously played Nashville on August 15.
- Where
- The match was played at Subaru Park in Pennsylvania; Jorge Messi died in Rosario, Argentina.
- Why
- Messi returned to competition after attending his father’s funeral and scored during his return to the scoresheet.
- Match
- Inter Miami 2-2 Philadelphia Union
- Competition
- Major League Soccer
- Messi’s goal
- 26th minute, his 13th of the season
- Jorge Messi
- Died aged 68 on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness
- Match contribution
- Messi scored and assisted on Inter Miami’s first goal
- Team form
- The draw ended Miami’s three-game losing streak, but the team remained winless in four matches
- Golden Boot race
- Messi was one goal behind Dallas striker Petar Musa
