MIAMI — Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami’s lineup as a substitute after traveling to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, to lay his father, Jorge Messi, to rest in a private ceremony Sunday, but the Herons fell 3-2 to Club León in their final Leagues Cup Phase One match, eliminating them from the tournament.
Messi posted an emotional tribute to his father on social media Wednesday before rejoining the team in Miami. The soccer world had rallied around the captain since Saturday, with former teammates Sergio Agüero and Neymar Jr. among those sending condolences.
Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos spoke candidly about the weight of the loss. “I’ve always said that this is a very painful thing and it takes sometimes a long time,” Hoyos said. “When I lost my father, it was hard. He was my guide. I needed him in many cases and I felt alone.”
“It’s a big blow in a man’s life, for an extraordinary man and an extraordinary family. So it’s a very painful thing,” Hoyos added.
Even Messi’s opponent on the night offered praise. León head coach Javier Gandolfi called Messi’s decision to play a testament to his character. “He is a player that as far as I can tell, is the best player in history,” Gandolfi said. “He’s the best player in history, inside the pitch, and also with some other actions I would see at a distance.”
“Today he demonstrated once more what he’s made of. He is a human being that is different to the rest,” Gandolfi said.
With Club León advancing to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, Inter Miami will shift focus to MLS regular season play and a top-of-the-table clash against Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC on Saturday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on Apple TV. The winner of that match will take the Supporters’ Shield lead.