Lionel Messi has returned to action for Inter Miami following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, as he continues to reflect on his future in professional football.
Messi’s father, who had served as his agent since the Argentina captain was 14, died in Rosario last week at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. The 39-year-old football star attended the private funeral in Argentina on Sunday before returning to the United States.
Messi was absent when Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday. However, he made himself available for the crucial group-stage encounter against Leon and entered the game at half-time.
Despite Messi’s return, Inter Miami lost 3-2 in front of their home supporters. The defeat ended the club’s hopes of advancing from the opening stage of the Leagues Cup for the first time since the competition was expanded in 2023.
Messi joined Inter Miami that same year and played a key role in guiding the club to its first Leagues Cup title.
Before returning to Miami, Messi shared an emotional message on social media in which he admitted uncertainty about how much longer he would continue playing football.
The Argentine star said he was “really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer,” further fueling speculation about his future.
Jorge Messi remained an important figure throughout his son’s remarkable career. He witnessed Messi establish himself as one of football’s greatest players and celebrated with him after Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Messi also disclosed that his father had urged him to participate in one final World Cup despite his deteriorating health. Argentina subsequently reached the final of this summer’s tournament but suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.
Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright said Messi’s return had come as a surprise to his teammates.
Bright said Messi’s decision demonstrated his commitment and revealed that the players were determined to support him during the difficult period.
“It’s a tough situation. We try to stay close to him and support him as much as we can, but it’s a lot,” Bright said.
Leon manager Javier Gandolfi also praised Messi for making himself available despite his personal loss, describing him as a unique individual.
According to Gandolfi, Messi once again showed his strength and character by returning to the pitch under such difficult circumstances.
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