Lionel Messi rejoined Inter Miami CF on Wednesday, sitting on the bench for the Leagues Cup game against Club León after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who was 68 in Rosario, Argentina.

The 68‑year‑old passed Saturday in a Rosario hospital, prompting Messi to travel there for a private memorial service. He posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute reflecting on the World Cup and his father’s illness, explaining how playing without him was a painful experience.

Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos expressed that the club felt “great pain” and noted the difficulty of moving forward. He confirmed that Messi will watch kickoff from the bench as the team attempts to qualify for the knockout stage.

Miami won its opener against Atlético San Luis but lost to Monterrey on Saturday when Messi was absent for the memorial. The club now looks to regroup for the next matches.