Lionel Messi returns to Football: Messi makes comeback after father’s death

Lionel Messi returns to Football: Lionel Messi returned to the football pitch only four days after his father, Jorge, died, taking part in an important Leagues Cup game for Inter Miami against Leon on Wednesday, August 12.

Messi paid homage to his father and stated that he wasn't certain whether he would continue playing football.

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He began the game on the bench and entered during the first half, having just returned from Rosario, where he had gone to his father's funeral.

Lionel Messi Returns to Football: Cuts Short Break, Returns Four Days After Father’s Passing

Jorge Messi died on August 8 after a long illness; he had been unwell even during Argentina's campaign at the FIFA World Cup, when Messi guided the team to their second consecutive final.

Jorge played an important role in his son's career by acting as his agent from the beginning.

After his father died, Messi took a break from football, and Inter Miami granted him some time off.

Messi returns four days after his father's death: Although it was expected that he would be away for a longer period, Messi returned on Wednesday and played the entire second half of the Leagues Cup game.

Messi Returns After His Father Jorge Messi's Death: Argentina Legend Opens Up on Life Without His Father

Lionel Messi returns to Football: Messi's decision to return was notable, particularly in light of his remarks in his tribute to his father.

Messi stated that he had no idea how he would get on without his father, saying that football had always been the only thing he had known and that he was not sure whether he would continue to play for much longer.

Messi, now 39, spoke about the close relationship he had with Jorge, who supported him through almost every phase of his life.

He stated that his father was more than just a parent; he was also his friend and his representative. Jorge took him to training and always missed a game.

Lionel Messi Returns to Inter Miami After Father's Death

Lionel Messi returns to Football: Jorge served as Messi's parent and looked after his career from the beginning; he remained one of Messi's closest advisers as Messi progressed from a young player in Rosario to one of the greatest players in football. Jorge also got Messi back onto the field during a difficult time for Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi Leagues Cup 2026: In their most recent Leagues Cup match, Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey, with Messi absent following his father's death.

As a result of that loss, Inter Miami needed to secure a good result in their final group match against Leon.

Although Messi started on the bench and came on at half-time, the team lost once more, with Leon winning 3-2.

Lionel Messi Admits Uncertainty About Continuing Football After Father’s Death

Lionel Messi emotional tribute: On Wednesday, Messi shared a tribute on Instagram following the loss of his father. He said he was uncertain about his future in football, admitting he did not know how to continue without his father and had started to wonder how much longer he would keep playing.

Messi said his father supported him from the start of his career. He wished Jorge could have been with him longer so they could have shared more moments together.

After Argentina lost to Spain in the final, Messi spent time with his father. He then returned to Inter Miami and played his first Major League Soccer match of the month against Columbus.

Messi’s Father Jorge Supported Him Through Every Major Milestone

Lionel Messi returns to Football: Jorge supported Messi from his earliest days at Barcelona. The recent World Cup was the first major tournament Jorge missed.

Messi said that even as his father's health declined, Jorge encouraged him to play for Argentina as they tried to defend their title.

His father always wanted him to play in the last World Cup, but Jorge's health worsened just before the tournament began.

It was the first time his father missed one of Messi's major tournaments. Messi said he would wait and hope for a message from his father after each match, and that was when he realised how serious things were.

Messi Reveals He Had No Energy Left in Final Despite Father’s Encouragement

Lionel Messi returns to Football: After celebrating his first goal against Algeria in the group stage, Messi explained that he was struggling with something off the pitch.

Later, he said he had no energy left in the final. Messi said his legs could not keep going, and he tried to push himself during the match but could not.

Messi admitted he did not feel well, but said that even though Argentina did not win, he and his teammates enjoyed every match.

He also said his father was right to encourage him to play. Messi has played 207 times for Argentina since his debut in August 2005.

He led the team to a World Cup win in 2022, matching Diego Maradona's achievement in 1986. However, like Maradona, Messi lost in the final while trying to lead Argentina to back-to-back World Cup titles.

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