Inter Miami eliminated from Leagues Cup after 3-2 loss despite Lionel Messi's second-half appearance

Miami: Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami as a second-half substitute, but could not prevent a 3-2 defeat against Mexican side Club León in their Leagues Cup Group A fixture at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. The 39-year-old forward featured for the first time since the passing of his father and manager, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 on Saturday following a prolonged illness in Rosario, Argentina, as confirmed by Argentine club Newell's Old Boys.

Match Details and Comeback

Inter Miami took a first-half lead in the 42nd minute through Dániel Pintér before Messi replaced Pintér at halftime. However, Club León mounted a second-half response. Daniel Arcila scored twice for the visitors in the 50th and 83rd minutes, alongside a 61st-minute goal from Juan Pablo Domínguez, rendering Yannick Bright's 54th-minute equaliser a mere consolation for Miami. The defeat officially eliminates Inter Miami from the 2026 Leagues Cup.

Tributes and Absence

Messi had previously missed Inter Miami's 2-1 defeat against Monterrey over the weekend to remain in Argentina with his family for his father's funeral. During that fixture, Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul paid an emotional tribute after scoring by unveiling Messi's iconic No. 10 shirt, while both squads observed a minute's silence and wore black armbands in honour of Jorge Messi.

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Uncertain Future

Following his return to Florida, Messi shared a heartfelt message on Instagram reflecting on his father's legacy and his own future. Messi revealed that his father's deteriorating health cast a heavy emotional shadow over his preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In his statement, Messi admitted feeling profound uncertainty regarding his career, expressing serious doubts over whether he would continue playing professional football without the guidance of his father, who had managed his career and business affairs since his youth.