Messi’s return sends shockwaves through Nu Stadium | OneFootball

Hours after Lionel Messi posted a touching tribute to his late father, Jorge, on Wednesday that hinted at his possible retirement, Inter Miami announced that the captain would be available for its Leagues Cup match against Club León.

The surprise announcement stirred emotions among fans and players alike. With the Herons on the brink of Leagues Cup elimination, the match suddenly became secondary to Messi’s return, to a son trying to work through his grief in the game that defines him.

As the announcement rang through Nu Stadium that Messi was entering the pitch before the start of the second half, the crowd rose to its feet. The man synonymous with Inter Miami’s pink No. 10 jersey walked onto the field, showered with applause and adulation. The Inter Miami faithful, like everyone else in attendance in Miami and on streaming channels, many with phones in hand and tears in their eyes, watched Messi play the first 45 minutes of soccer since his father’s death.

Despite the emotional return, Club León beat Messi and Inter Miami 2-3, eliminating the Herons from the Leagues Cup.

Messi’s return transcended the loss. Spectators sometimes forget that, beyond being arguably the best player ever to grace the pitch, Messi is human, and some things matter more than the Beautiful Game.

A moment during the match went viral as Club León defender Jhohan Romaña hugged Messi after a battle for a loose ball. Los Esmeraldas' official “X” account referenced the interaction, saying: “This embrace from León, from everyone, from football, it is for you, dear Lionel. Respect and affection."

Fans online praised Messi for his performance and were surprised that he even suited up for the team to begin with. Along with the lingering, painful thought of his retirement, fans rejoiced at his return, noting that the 39-year-old is still performing at the highest level and urging others to not take the time that is left for granted.

After the game, teammates and coaches had nothing but powerful things to say about Messi’s return. Club León’s coach, Javier Gandolfi, in a postgame conference, was left in awe of Messi’s performance. Gandolfi said, “For people to understand what Leo Messi is, I think it was proven today. I think words fall short. He’s a competitive animal, a player who, in my opinion, is the best in history.”

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos related to Messi, speaking of the grief he also felt when losing his father: “I've always said that this is a very painful thing, and it sometimes takes a long time. 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."