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Messi returns after father’s death as Inter Miami exit Leagues Cup

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami for a Leagues Cup match following his father's death, but the team lost 3-2 to Mexico's Leon and was eliminated from the tournament.
  • Messi, who had posted an emotional tribute to his father and expressed doubts about continuing his career, played in the second half after missing the previous match.
  • The loss marks Inter Miami's first exit in the opening phase of the expanded Leagues Cup, having won the trophy in 2023 with Messi.

Lionel Messi made an emotional return to Inter Miami on Wednesday, just days after his father's death and a social media post revealing his doubts about continuing his football career. Despite a massive ovation upon entering at halftime, his presence wasn't enough to prevent Inter Miami from a 3-2 defeat to Mexico's Leon, leading to their exit from the Leagues Cup.

I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer.

— Lionel MessiMessi's emotional tribute to his father on social media.

Messi had flown back from Argentina after attending his father, Jorge's, funeral on Sunday. Jorge, who had served as his son's agent, passed away last week at 68. On Wednesday morning, Messi shared a heartfelt tribute online, admitting, "I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer."

I wasn’t expecting it. It shows how much he cares. When I saw he was here, all I was thinking about was to give my 150 percent for him.

— Yannick BrightInter Miami player on Messi's return.

Leon's victory, fueled by two goals from Daniel Arcila, secured their spot in the quarter-finals. This marks the first time Inter Miami has been eliminated in the opening phase since the Leagues Cup expanded in 2023. The team had previously won the trophy with Messi shortly after his arrival. Teammates like Yannick Bright and Brazilian player Casemiro expressed admiration for Messi's commitment during his personal tragedy, with Gandolfi, Leon's coach, calling him "a human being that is different to the rest."

It’s a tough situation. We try to stay close to him and support him as much as we can, but it’s a lot.

— Yannick BrightInter Miami player on supporting Messi.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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