Messi plays for Inter Miami after father's death

What the report says

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Wednesday shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, according to Nile Post’s report drawing on BBC Sport. Jorge died in Rosario, Argentina, at age 68 after a long illness. Messi had attended the private funeral in Argentina before flying back to the United States.

The Argentina captain came on as a substitute at half-time in Miami’s 3-2 loss to Mexican club León in the Leagues Cup. He had missed Miami’s previous match against Monterrey, but was available for the decisive group-stage fixture. The appearance came as Messi publicly reflected on his future in football, saying in a social media post that he was not sure how much longer he would continue playing.

The article notes that Jorge Messi had been closely involved in his son’s career, serving as his agent from a young age and supporting him through major milestones, including Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph. Messi had previously written that his father encouraged him to play in one more World Cup even as his health declined.

Miami’s exit was notable because it marked the first time the club had been eliminated in the opening phase of the expanded Leagues Cup since Messi joined in 2023. The moment also drew supportive comments from teammates and León’s coach, who praised Messi’s resilience and status in the sport.