Lionel Messi returns to action for Inter Miami days after his father’s death, amid uncertainty over his future in football.

Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Wednesday, making a substitute appearance in the club’s 3-2 defeat to Mexican side Leon in the final group match of the Leagues Cup.

The 39-year-old Argentina captain came on at half-time to a huge reception from the Miami crowd, just days after attending the private funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, in Argentina.

Jorge, who died in Rosario at the age of 68 following a long illness, had been Messi’s agent since the football star was 14. He remained a key figure throughout his son’s career, including during Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup triumph.

Following his father’s death, Messi shared an emotional message in which he admitted he was uncertain about continuing his football career for much longer.

Messi had missed Inter Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in the previous Leagues Cup fixture but returned for the crucial encounter against Leon.

Despite his appearance, Miami suffered another defeat and were eliminated in the opening phase of the competition for the first time since the tournament’s expansion in 2023. That was also the year Messi joined the club and helped them win the trophy.

Messi had earlier revealed that his father encouraged him to feature in one more World Cup despite his deteriorating health. Argentina reached the final of the 2026 tournament but lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time.

Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright described Messi’s return as “incredible” and said the team was determined to support their captain during the difficult period.

Bright said Messi’s decision to play despite his personal loss demonstrated how much he cares about the club, adding that his teammates would remain close to him and offer their support.