Messi Joins Inter Miami Following Father’s Passing

Messi missed Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday, but he made himself available to coach Guillermo Hoyos for the crucial match against Leon.

This marks the first time Miami have been eliminated in the opening phase of the competition since the Leagues Cup expanded in 2023 — the year Messi arrived and they captured the trophy.

Jorge has been Messi’s agent since he was 14, witnessing his rise to become one of football’s greatest ever players and standing beside him when he captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.

Argentina reached the summer tournament final but lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time. Messi noted that his father had urged him “to play in one last World Cup” even as his health continued to decline.

Miami midfielder Yannick Bright, who scored his side’s second goal against Leon, described Messi’s return as “incredible,” saying he and his teammates simply wanted to support their captain.

Bright admitted, “I didn’t expect this.” He said it reflects how deeply Messi cares. When he saw Messi was back, his only thought was to give 150 % for him. He added that the situation is tough; the team tries to stay close, support him as much as possible, but it’s demanding.

Leon coach Javier Gandolfi said Messi “is a human being different from the rest.” He added: “Today he demonstrated once more what he’s made of.”

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