Messi's First Game After Father's Death Ends in Loss

On Wednesday night, Lionel Messi played his first game for Inter Miami following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after battling illness. Messi was substituted into the match in the 46th minute during a Leagues Cup clash against Club Leon, receiving a loud ovation from fans in attendance.

Despite the warm welcome, Messi was unable to influence the game significantly, and Inter Miami lost 3-2 to Club Leon. This defeat eliminated Miami from the knockout stages of the tournament, following a previous win over Atletico San Luis and a loss to CF Monterrey.

Inter Miami had reached the final of the previous year's tournament and won the 2023 edition of the Leagues Cup.