Lionel Messi makes emotional return to action for Inter Miami just four days after the death of his father

Lionel Messi made an emotional return to action for Inter Miami just four days after the death of his father, Jorge, last week. Messi Senior succumbed to a chronic illness in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68.

An ever-present in Lionel’s footballing careers, from negotiations with football clubs and discussions with commercial partners, Jorge was conspicuous by his absence as Argentina fell in the final to Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup last month.

Just a few weeks after their failed title defence, Jorge breathed his last, with the footballing fraternity, including Cristiano Ronaldo, sharing their tributes to Messi and his family.

ESPN has reported that just 96 hours after Jorge’s unfortunate demise, his son, Lionel, is back on the pitch for the Herons who lost 3-2 at home to Leon on Wednesday (August 12) to bow out of the Leagues Cup.

Here’s the screenshot of the Instagram video reel titled “Messi returns to the pitch” as the 39-year-old came on to the pitch in the second half:

Going back to the aforementioned game, Daniel Pinter gave Guillermo Hoyos’ side the lead at the break before Daniel Arcila equalised for Leon. Yannick Bright restored the hosts’ lead in the 54th minute, but Arcila’s second of the night and Juan Pablo Dominguez’s strike sealed victory for Leon.

How has Lionel Messi fared for Inter Miami this season?

Lionel Messi is in the midst of a solid season with Inter Miami, having joined the MLS side in the summer of 2023 after nearly two glorious decades in European football, mostly with Barcelona.

Messi, 39, has struck 15 times and provided eight assists in 19 games across competitions. The tally includes 12 strikes and seven assists in 15 outings in MLS, where Guillermo Hoyos’ side are second in the Eastern Conference, two points behind leaders Nashville (40) after 18 games.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner struck twice and provided an assist as the 2023 Leagues Cup winners commenced their campaign with a 4-2 win over San Luis. After missing the home defeat to Monterrey due to a family bereavement, Messi featured for 44 minutes but couldn’t avert a 3-2 home defeat to Leon as the Herons crashed out.

Messi’s one other goal this season has come in two games in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.