Florida: (RightNow) Argentine footballer Lionel Messi returned to the field after his father’s death, but his comeback was disappointing. Mexico’s Club León defeated Inter Miami 3-2, knocking them out of the Leagues Cup.

Inter Miami initially took the lead with a goal, but León’s player Daniel Arceila scored twice, changing the game’s direction. Messi, 39, recently returned to Florida after attending his father Jorge Messi’s funeral.

Fans warmly welcomed Messi as he entered the field in the second half, but Inter Miami’s defeat left his supporters disappointed. Messi also shared an emotional message on social media for his father, expressing doubts about continuing football.

This is the first time Inter Miami has exited the Leagues Cup in the early stages. Under Messi’s leadership, Inter Miami won the title in 2023 and reached the finals in 2025.

It is noteworthy that Inter Miami reached the finals of the 2023 tournament after its expansion but lost 0-3 to Seattle Sounders.