Lionel Messi returned to the pitch for Inter Miami on Wednesday, playing in his first match since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier in the week. Messi entered the Leagues Cup match against Club León in the second half, receiving a significant ovation from the home crowd at Miami's Nu Stadium. The match ended in a 3-2 loss for Inter Miami, with Club León securing their advancement to the knockout stage.
Messi's father, Jorge, who had served as his son's agent and managed his business affairs, died at the age of 68. The soccer star had returned to his native Argentina following the news and missed Inter Miami's previous match against Monterrey. Earlier on Wednesday, Messi had shared a heartfelt tribute to his father on social media, expressing uncertainty about his future in the sport. "I don’t know what I’m going to do without you," the post on Instagram read. "I don’t know how to keep going. All I ever did was play soccer, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer."
Inter Miami took a 1-0 lead in the 42nd minute with a goal from Pinter, assisted by Ian Fray. However, Club León mounted a comeback in the second half. Daniel Arcila scored twice for León, with his go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute sealing the victory. Juan Pablo Domínguez also scored for the visiting team. Yannick Bright scored Inter Miami's second goal. The loss eliminated Inter Miami from the Leagues Cup tournament, having won the competition in 2023. The team has also struggled in MLS play, entering the match 12th in the standings. Club León, after its win, moved to first place in the Liga MX standings.