Just one day earlier, Lionel Messi had announced on social media that he might even consider retiring from football following the death of his father. The legendary Argentine wrote that he “really wasn’t sure whether he would be able to continue playing football,” making it seem as though he might take an extended break from the world's most popular sport. However, that ultimately wasn't the case. Less than 24 hours after that statement, he played for Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Leagues Cup, where his team lost 3–2 (0–1) to Mexican side Leon.We missed you, Messi. Welcome back. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WE83EqfBx4— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 13, 2026 It was hardly a happy return to the pitch. Inter Miami were eliminated in the group stage of the competition, while Leon became the first Mexican team to reach the quarter-finals. The tournament features clubs from the United States and Mexico and was expanded three years ago. This is the first time since then that the Florida-based club have failed to reach the knockout stage. Inter Miami had lost to Monterrey in the competition on Saturday, meaning they had to win this match to keep their hopes of advancing alive. That prompted Lionel Messi to make himself available to the coach and help his team stay in contention. Clearly, football is perhaps the one thing capable of taking the Inter Miami captain's mind off his difficult circumstances. Messi was named among the substitutes and came on immediately at the start of the second half, receiving a huge ovation from the entire stadium.Jugadores de León rodearon a Messi para pedirle la camisa y una foto.El argentino amablemente avanza para salir del terreno de juego.Inter Miami está eliminado de Leagues Cup.#InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/VFOs12DmSp— José Armando (@Jarm21) August 13, 2026 His mere presence was an additional source of motivation for his teammates, whether he played or not. That was confirmed after the match by Yanick Bright, scorer of one of Inter Miami's two goals, and experienced Brazilian international Casemiro.“I didn't expect it. Nobody expected him to come back. It was truly incredible. He showed how much football means to him. When I saw that he was there with us, the only thing I was thinking about was giving 150 percent for him. It's a difficult situation, really. We're trying to stay as close to him as possible and give him as much support as we can, but it's very difficult” he said.Messi's heartbreaking letter to his dead father: "I don't know what I'll do without you"Bright said, while the Brazilian added that Messi is a true example for all players. As for the match itself, it was highly entertaining. The hosts took the lead through Pinter in the 42nd minute. Interestingly, the goalscorer was left on the bench at the start of the second half to make room for Messi. The visitors equalised through Arsila in the 50th minute, before Bright restored Inter Miami's lead just three minutes later. Dominguez Chonteco levelled the score again in the 61st minute. Inter Miami had to go all-out during the final 15 minutes, opening up and throwing players forward because only a victory would keep their qualification hopes alive. But by leaving space at the back, they were eventually punished. Unable to find another goal themselves, Inter Miami conceded the decisive blow in the 83rd minute, with Arsila sealing the result. At the final whistle, the Mexican players chased Messi around the pitch, hoping to take photos with him and get his shirt. Messi wasn't in the mood for either. He simply walked off the pitch without taking pictures or giving his shirt to any of the Leon players. He clearly wasn't feeling up to it — understandably so. It seemed as though he could barely wait to get back to the dressing room.##NAJAVA_MECA_9889938##
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