Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Thursday, just days after the death of his father, but his comeback ended in disappointment as Miami crashed out of the Leagues Cup.
Mexican side Leon beat Miami 3-2 to end their hopes of reaching the quarter finals.
Messi returned to Florida from Argentina on Wednesday. He had travelled home to attend the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge died last week at the age of 68. He had played a major role in his son’s career and also worked as his agent.
Messi came on at half time against Leon and received a huge welcome from the Miami supporters.
Earlier on Wednesday, the 39 year old Argentina captain shared an emotional message for his father on social media. He also raised doubts about how much longer he wants to continue playing football.
“I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote. “I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer.”
Despite the difficult days, Messi made himself available for Miami’s crucial Leagues Cup match.
Miami needed a win to keep their hopes alive after losing their previous group match against Monterrey. Messi had missed that game following his father’s death.
Miami made a good start against Leon and took a 1-0 lead. However, Leon fought back strongly.
Colombian Daniel Arcila scored twice as the Mexican club completed a 3-2 comeback victory. The result also made Leon the first team to book a place in the quarter finals.
Messi’s introduction after the break could not change the result as Miami suffered an early exit.
It is the first time Inter Miami have gone out in the opening stage of the Leagues Cup since the tournament expanded in 2023.
Miami enjoyed a very different campaign that year. Messi joined the club in 2023 alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. He then helped Miami win the Leagues Cup in his first season in the United States.
Miami also reached the final in 2025. However, Seattle Sounders beat them 3-0.
That final ended with a fight between players after the match. Luis Suarez later received a suspension that ruled him out of this year’s tournament.
This time, Miami could not make another deep run.
Messi returned during one of the most difficult periods of his life, but Leon’s comeback brought Miami’s Leagues Cup campaign to an early end.
