Messi plays in Inter Miami defeat by Leon only hours after retirement hint

What the report says

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Wednesday and played in a 3-2 defeat to Mexico’s Club Leon in the Leagues Cup, hours after posting a social media message that suggested he was uncertain about how long he would keep playing. According to Al Jazeera, Messi had flown back to Florida from Argentina after attending the funeral of his father, Jorge, and entered the match at half-time to a strong reception from the home crowd.

The game mattered for Miami because it was a must-win group match, and the loss ended the club’s run in the tournament’s opening phase. Leon, powered by two goals from Colombian Daniel Arcila, came from behind to become the first team through to the quarterfinals. Messi had missed Miami’s previous match against Monterrey but made himself available for this one.

Al Jazeera reported that Messi’s emotional post referred to his father and included language that raised doubts about continuing his career. Teammates and Leon coach Javier Gandolfi praised Messi’s commitment, describing his appearance as remarkable given the personal circumstances. The article also noted that Miami had won the Leagues Cup in 2023 after Messi arrived, and reached the 2025 final before losing to Seattle.