Messi returns, but Inter Miami eliminated from Leagues Cup

Lionel Messi's return to the field for Inter Miami was not enough to salvage their Leagues Cup campaign, as the team suffered a 2-3 defeat against Mexican side León. The loss eliminated Inter Miami from the tournament, marking their exit with a single win and two losses.

Messi, who had been absent due to the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi, was on the bench for the match. His appearance in the second half ignited the crowd at the Nu Stadium in Miami, but it couldn't spark the comeback needed. Inter Miami required a significant goal difference to advance, a task that proved insurmountable.

León took the lead through Daniel Arcila, but Yannick Bright equalized for Inter Miami. However, León, with key contributions from Diber Cambindo and Juan Pablo Rodríguez, secured their victory. Rodríguez scored a spectacular goal to level the match at 2-2, and a third goal, validated by VAR after an initial offside call, sealed their place in the quarterfinals.

Despite Messi's efforts to create opportunities, Inter Miami could not find the decisive goals. With their elimination from the Leagues Cup, the team's aspirations for a title this season now rest solely on the MLS Cup. This outcome falls short of expectations for a squad boasting not only Messi but also other prominent players.

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Leo, Leo