Lionel Messi made an emotional return to Inter Miami on Wednesday following the death of his father, Jorge, but could not prevent the Major League Soccer side from being eliminated from the Leagues Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Mexico’s Leon.

Messi travelled back to Florida from Argentina on Tuesday night after attending his father’s funeral on Sunday. He was introduced at half-time and received a massive ovation from supporters.

Jorge, who had also served as Messi’s agent, died last week at the age of 68.

Messi had earlier paid an emotional tribute to his father on social media, admitting that the loss had left him questioning whether he wanted to continue playing football.

Messi makes emotional return

Messi made himself available to Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos for the decisive group-stage match after missing Saturday’s defeat to Monterrey.

The Argentine captain entered the game at half-time as Miami looked to secure a result that would keep their Leagues Cup campaign alive.

His return was warmly received by his teammates, with Yannick Bright describing the moment as incredible.

Bright said Messi’s decision to play despite the difficult circumstances showed how much he cared about the team, adding that his teammates wanted to give their maximum effort in support of their captain.

Leon complete comeback

Inter Miami took the lead in the match but Leon fought back to secure a 3-2 victory.

Colombian forward Daniel Arcila scored twice to inspire Leon’s comeback and make the Mexican club the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The defeat ended Miami’s campaign at the opening stage of the competition, marking the first time the club has failed to progress from the initial phase since the Leagues Cup was expanded in 2023.

Casemiro praises Messi

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who joined Inter Miami after the World Cup, praised Messi for making himself available despite the personal circumstances surrounding his father’s death.

Casemiro described the Argentine as an example to his teammates and highlighted his commitment to returning to competitive action during such a difficult period.

Leon coach Javier Gandolfi also praised Messi, saying the Argentine once again demonstrated his exceptional character by taking part in the match.

Miami’s Leagues Cup history

Inter Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023 shortly after Messi joined the club alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

The tournament success marked Messi’s first major trophy with the Florida-based club and helped establish Miami as one of the competition’s leading teams.

However, Miami reached the 2025 final but suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Sounders.

That final was followed by a post-match brawl that resulted in Luis Suarez receiving a suspension covering the entirety of this year’s tournament.

Messi’s return therefore ended in disappointment for Miami, with the club eliminated despite the captain’s emotional decision to return to the team following his father’s funeral.