MIAMI / ROSARIO — Argentine football icon Lionel Messi made a poignant return to competitive football on Wednesday night, coming off the bench for Inter Miami in their Leagues Cup group-stage match against Mexican side Club León. The appearance marked Messi’s first match since the tragic passing of his father and long-time agent, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
After traveling to his hometown for his father’s funeral and spending brief time grieving with his family, Messi made a surprise return to South Florida. Named among the substitutes, the 39-year-old superstar was introduced at half-time to a resounding ovation from the crowd.
Despite Messi’s subbing on and driving Inter Miami’s attack, the MLS side suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat against Club León, confirming their elimination from the Leagues Cup.
In an emotional tribute shared prior to his return, Messi expressed uncertainty about his footballing future, writing: “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on. All I ever did was play football, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer.”
Jorge Messi played a pivotal role throughout his son’s legendary career, guiding him from youth soccer in Rosario to his record-breaking professional achievements.
