Messi mourns father's death, Inter Miami targets MLS lead

Inter Miami returns to MLS action this weekend, aiming for the league leadership while supporting Lionel Messi through the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi. The team was eliminated early from the Leagues Cup, shifting their focus to the domestic league.

Messi surprised many by returning to training on Wednesday, just four days after his father's passing and shortly after flying back from Argentina. He had publicly expressed doubts about his future in football, posting a farewell letter to his father stating he wasn't sure how much longer he would play. He had also hoped his father could have seen him play in the World Cup.

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I have quite a few doubts that I will continue playing football for much longer.

Coach Guillermo Hoyos addressed the media ahead of Saturday's crucial match against Nashville, which will determine the leader of the Eastern Conference. Hoyos stated that Messi participated in the final training session but declined to confirm if the star player would feature in the game. "Leo's situation has to develop little by little because there is great pain," Hoyos said. "Silence is the most appropriate thing, tranquility, peace, and for him to find the moments. We have to accompany him always."

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Leo's situation has to develop little by little because there is great pain. This is not a day-to-day thing. Silence is the most appropriate thing, tranquility, peace, and for him to find the moments. We have to accompany him always.

The team, currently second in the Eastern Conference with 38 points, two behind leaders Nashville, sees the MLS championship as their last major objective of the season. They recently added midfielder Casemiro to their roster. Inter Miami had a similar early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier in the year, also at the hands of Nashville.

In other MLS news, Orlando City will host FC Cincinnati, with Orlando aiming to improve their playoff chances. Both teams were also eliminated from the Leagues Cup.

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Silence is an ally for him to be able to come out.