Lionel Messi makes emotional return to Inter Miami | OneFootball

By Justin Ruderman

Four days after the passing of his father, Lionel Messi was back on the pitch for Inter Miami CF.

The Herons' superstar No. 10 returned to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina to lay his father, Jorge Messi, to rest on Sunday in a private ceremony. He then took to social media on Wednesday, posting an emotional tribute to his dad before returning to Miami and appearing as a substitute in their 3-2 loss to Club León in their final Leagues Cup Phase One match.

It has been an emotional few weeks for Messi, who is also less than a month removed from leading Argentina to a second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, just as he told his father he would.

Embracing Messi

The soccer world took to social media on Saturday to send their condolences to Messi, including former teammates Sergio Agüero, Neymar Jr. and more.

At Inter Miami, the team is also rallying behind their captain.

"I've always said that this is a very painful thing and it takes sometimes a long time," said Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos. "When I lost my father, it was hard. He was my guide. I needed him in many cases and I felt alone.

"It's a big blow in a man's life, for an extraordinary man and an extraordinary family. So it's a very painful thing."

Even his opponents on the night couldn't help but share their praise.

"He is a player that as far as I can tell, is the best player in history," said León head coach Javier Gandolfi. "He's the best player in history, inside the pitch, and also with some other actions I would see at a distance.

"Today he demonstrated once more what he's made of. He is a human being that is different to the rest."

Miami eliminated

Unfortunately for Inter Miami, they were not able to find a victory in Messi's return, marking their elimination from Leagues Cup as Club León secured advancement to the tournament quarterfinals.

Miami will now shift their attention to regular season play, where they must prepare for a top-of-the-table clash against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC on Saturday night (8:30 pm ET | Apple TV).

The winner of that match will take the Supporters' Shield lead.

HIGHLIGHTS: Inter Miami CF vs. Club León | August 12, 2026