Lionel Messi returned to the soccer field for Inter Miami on Wednesday night, playing his first match since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 7 at the age of 68 after an illness.
Messi entered the match against Club Leon in the 46th minute of the Leagues Cup tournament, receiving a standing ovation at the Nu Stadium. Despite his presence, Inter Miami lost 3-2 to Leon, officially eliminating them from the tournament's knockout stages. This followed previous losses to CF Monterrey and a win over Atletico San Luis.
The match marked Messi's first appearance since his father's death and came on the same day the player posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. In the tribute, Messi expressed his grief and uncertainty about his future in the sport, writing, "I don't know what I'll do without you, I don't know how to go on. I only played football and now I have serious doubts that I'll continue doing that for much longer."
Jorge Messi, who also served as his son's agent and business manager, had been dealing with a health issue in the months leading up to his death. His illness became public in February when Lionel Messi was seen crying on the field during the World Cup, later stating it was due to "a few difficult days, complicated."
Reports indicated that Jorge Messi suffered a medical episode in January and was hospitalized, though the family kept his health condition private. A false report of his death in June led to an apology from the broadcaster.
In his Instagram post, Messi reflected on his father's influence, particularly regarding his participation in the World Cup. "You kept asking me to play in the last World Cup, and just a few days before it started, you got worse," Messi wrote. He recounted how his father's illness impacted his ability to focus and perform, despite efforts to push past physical limitations.
The tribute also highlighted the deep bond between father and son, with Messi recalling his father's consistent support from his childhood, attending all his practices and games. "You were a father, a friend, and a businessman," Messi wrote. "You were always the person you needed to be in every situation and you never made a mistake."
Jorge Messi, along with his wife Celia Cuccittini, remained married until his death. They had four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol. Jorge worked in a steel manufacturing company before becoming Lionel's agent, a role he held throughout his son's storied career, from his early days at Newell's Old Boys to his moves to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi also expressed gratitude to fans for their support during this difficult period. "I want to sincerely thank everyone for all the love, respect and enormous consideration you have shown me and my family during this incredibly painful time following the loss of my dad," he said on his Instagram stories. "Thank you for being there for us, for every message, every gesture and, above all, for respecting our grief and our privacy."
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo offered his condolences on Messi's Instagram post, writing, "A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength."
The passing of Jorge Messi came after a period of intense focus on his son's career, including the 2022 World Cup campaign and his high-profile move to Inter Miami. The family split their time between Rosario, Argentina, and Miami.