MIAMI — Lionel Messi made an emotional return following his father’s death and hints at retirement, but it wasn’t enough for his Inter Miami side who were knocked out of the Leagues Cup in a 3-2 loss to Mexico’s Leon.
The Miami captain flew back to Florida from Argentina after attending the funeral of his father, Jorge, on Sunday and came on at half-time to a massive ovation.
Jorge, who was his son’s agent, died last week at the age of 68.
Messi, on Wednesday, posted an emotional tribute to his father on social media, admitting that he wasn’t sure he wanted to continue playing football.
“I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote.
“I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer,” Messi added according to AFP.
Miami led 1-0 but two goals from Colombian Daniel Arcila fueled Leon’s come-from-behind victory, which made them the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the tournament between MLS and LigaMx clubs.
Messi had made himself available to Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos for the must-win final group match, having been absent when they lost to Monterrey on Saturday.
Yannick Bright, who scored one of Miami’s goals, called Messi’s return “incredible,” adding he and other teammates just wanted to support their captain.
“I wasn’t expecting it,” Bright said. “It shows how much he cares. When I saw he was here, all I was thinking about was to give my 150 per cent for him.
“It’s a tough situation. We try to stay close to him and support him as much as we can, but it’s a lot.”
Brazilian teammate Casemiro, who joined Miami after the World Cup, said Messi was “an example for all of us” in his commitment to playing during such a difficult time personally.
