Lionel Messi returned to the pitch with Inter Miami to compete in the Leagues Cup on the night of August 13, 2026, a few days after the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi. The Argentine player’s commitment received praise from midfielder Casemiro, who recently joined the United States club.
“He represents a model of dedication, because, despite facing a period of great sadness, he demonstrated a remarkable commitment both to his teammates and to the institution itself,” said Casemiro. The Brazilian athlete added: “I have never witnessed anything like this in my career. Therefore, we can only express gratitude for your presence. We know your relevance to our squad, and this attitude of commitment to the club deserves applause.”
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Messi’s participation in the game took place on August 13, 2026, five days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in Argentina, on August 8, 2026. The star with the number 10 shirt joined Inter Miami’s match against Leon, in Miami, during the second half of the clash for the Leagues Cup. The North American team was defeated 3-2, in the third round of the championship that brings together clubs from the United States and Mexico.
Before the match, Messi made his first public statement after mourning, sharing a moving message on social media: “I love you, I don’t know what to do without you.” Jorge Messi, who was 68 years old when he passed away, was buried on August 10, 2026, in a ceremony restricted to family members.
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Messi did not participate in Inter Miami’s previous game, held on August 9, 2026, against Monterrey, an occasion marked by tributes to his father. Rodrigo de Paul, who scored the goal for the North American team in the 2-1 defeat, also in the Leagues Cup, displayed a Messi number 10 shirt under his uniform during the celebration, in honor of his friend and teammate on the Argentine national team.
With Lionel Messi starting on the bench, Inter Miami opened the scoring with a goal from Daniel Pinter, in the 42nd minute of the opening stage. The scorer left the field at half-time for Messi to enter, who received a standing ovation from the fans when he stepped onto the pitch.
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Daniel Arcila equalized for Leon five minutes into the second half, but Yannick Bright restored Inter Miami’s lead four minutes later. The Mexican team equalized again in the 15th minute, with Dominguez Chonteco, and Arcila scored again in the 40th minute, sealing the 3-2 victory for the Mexicans.