Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Wednesday following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, amid growing uncertainty over the Argentina captain’s future in football.
The 39-year-old made a substitute appearance at half-time in Inter Miami’s 3-2 defeat by Mexican side Leon in their final group game of the Leagues Cup.
Messi received a huge reception from the home supporters as he stepped onto the pitch, just days after attending his father’s private funeral in Argentina.
Jorge Messi died in his hometown of Rosario last week at the age of 68 following a long illness. He had been a hugely influential figure throughout his son’s career, serving as Messi’s agent from the age of 14 and remaining one of his closest advisers.
Before returning to Miami, Messi had missed Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Monterrey.
His return against Leon came after the Argentine star raised questions about how much longer he intends to continue playing.
In an emotional social media message following his father’s death, Messi admitted that he was “really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer”, prompting widespread speculation about his potential retirement.
Messi’s father had reportedly encouraged him to play at one more World Cup despite his deteriorating health.
Argentina went on to reach the final of this summer’s tournament, but Messi and his team-mates suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat by Spain.
‘It’s Incredible’
Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright said Messi’s decision to return so soon after his father’s funeral demonstrated his commitment to the club and his team-mates.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Bright said. “It shows how much he cares.”
Bright, who scored Miami’s second goal against Leon, added that the players wanted to give everything for their captain during such a difficult period.
“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,” he said.
Leon manager Javier Gandolfi also praised Messi’s character, describing the Argentine as a unique human being.
“Today he demonstrated once more what he’s made of,” Gandolfi said.
Miami Suffer Early Exit
Despite Messi’s return, Inter Miami were unable to secure the result they needed against Leon and have been eliminated in the opening phase of the Leagues Cup for the first time since the competition was expanded in 2023.
Miami won the tournament in 2023, Messi’s first season with the club, but their latest campaign has ended at the group stage.
For now, however, attention remains firmly on Messi.
The football world will be watching closely to see whether the legendary forward continues his career or begins to prepare for life away from the game following the loss of his father.
At 39, and with his future already a subject of speculation, Messi’s latest appearance could prove to be another significant moment in the final chapter of one of football’s greatest careers.
