Lionel Messi made an emotional comeback for Inter Miami on Wednesday, returning to competitive action for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge, last week. The Argentine superstar had previously hinted he might step away from football altogether following the loss, making his reappearance on the pitch all the more significant.
Messi was brought on as a half-time substitute during Inter Miami's final group-stage match of the Leagues Cup, a contest the Florida side ultimately lost 3-2 to Mexican club Leon. His introduction came just a day after he published a deeply personal statement addressing his grief and uncertainty about continuing his career.
"You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end. Why couldn't you hold on just a little longer so we could finish it together?" Messi wrote in the social media post. He went on to admit the depth of his sorrow, writing, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you. I used to just play football, and now I'm really not sure if I'll carry on doing it for much longer."
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had missed Inter Miami's previous match, a 2-1 loss to Monterrey, as he traveled to Argentina to mourn his father. On Sunday, Messi attended a private funeral service held at a cemetery in Perez, close to his hometown of Rosario, where he was joined by family and close associates.
Jorge Messi had played an integral role in his son's life and career, serving as his agent since Lionel was 14 years old. He witnessed his son's rise from a young prospect in Rosario to becoming one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport, including being present in Qatar when Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022 with Messi as captain.
That triumph came after Argentina had also reached this year's tournament final, only to fall 1-0 in extra time to Spain. In his statement, Messi revealed that his father had encouraged him to compete in one more World Cup despite his own failing health, underscoring the close bond between father and son throughout Messi's career.
Following Wednesday's match, Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos spoke about the emotional weight Messi is carrying. "I've always said that this is a very painful thing and it takes sometimes a long time. When I lost my father, it was hard. He was my guide. I needed him in many cases and I felt alone," Hoyos said. "It's a big blow in a man's life, for an extraordinary man and an extraordinary family. So it's a very painful thing."
Leon's coach, Javier Gandolfi, whose side came away with the win, also offered words of admiration and sympathy for the Argentine forward. "He is a player that as far as I can tell, is the best player in history. He's the best player in history, inside the pitch, and also with some other actions I would see at a distance," Gandolfi said. "Today he demonstrated once more what he's made of. He is a human being that is different to the rest."
Messi's return, even in defeat, was seen as a poignant moment for both the player and the club, signaling his determination to continue his career despite the profound personal loss. It remains to be seen how his role will evolve in the coming weeks as Inter Miami continues its season, but Wednesday's appearance offered a glimpse of resilience amid grief.
Based on reporting from The Independent (football).