Lionel Messi made a substitute appearance for Inter Miami on Wednesday following the death of his father, Jorge, hinting at possible retirement. He missed Miami's 2-1 loss to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday but played against Mexican side Leon in a must-win game. This marks Miami's first elimination in the opening phase of the expanded Leagues Cup since 2023, the year Messi joined the club.

Jorge, his agent since age 14, was by his side during his rise to greatness and the 2022 World Cup triumph. Messi had previously stated his father urged him to 'play in one last World Cup' before his health declined. Teammate Yannick Bright called the return 'incredible,' emphasizing the team's support for their captain.

Leon coach Javier Gandolfi praised Messi as 'a human being that is different to the rest,' noting his demonstration of 'what he's made of.'.