Messi leads Inter Miami emotionally in Leagues Cup clash
Lionel Messi made his much-anticipated return to the pitch after burying his father, Jorge, during Wednesday’s Leagues Cup match against Leon. An emotional Argentine forward responded with a powerful social media post declaring uncertainty about his future in football. The star midfielder came on at halftime to cheers and applause from Miami supporters who wanted him to focus on grieving.
While the personal struggle was real for Messi, Inter Miami CF couldn’t find enough resolve to overcome Leon’s spirited comeback. The Miami side fell behind by two goals, courtesy of Daniel Arcila, but Yannick Bright's goal kept hope alive until it ultimately ran out in a 3-2 defeat. The result means Miami have been denied their place in the quarter-finals for the first time since Leagues Cup expansion to include both MLS and LigaMX clubs.
Leon’s come from behind victory, a first this season, secured qualification for the next round of the competition.