Messi unable to save Inter Miami from Leagues Cup exit on emotional return

Messi started on the bench after flying back from Argentina following the funeral of his father, Jorge, who died on Saturday at the age of 68.

The Argentine icon entered the game at the start of the second half to a loud ovation from the home crowd in what was his first appearance since the family tragedy.

Inter Miami took the lead in the 42nd minute through Dániel Pintér, who finished a move involving Ian Fray. León equalised shortly after the restart when Daniel Arcila scored in the 50th minute.

Yannick Bright restored the hosts’ advantage three minutes later, but Juan Pablo Domínguez levelled again for the Mexican side in the 61st minute.

The decisive moment arrived in the 83rd minute. Arcila struck again to complete his brace and give León a 3-2 lead that they held until the final whistle.

Messi had a couple of late opportunities but could not force an equaliser.

The Herons, who won the Leagues Cup in 2023 and reached the final last year, finished the group stage with only three points and failed to finish among the top four MLS sides required to advance.

León, meanwhile, progressed to the knockout stage with a perfect record after three wins. For Messi and Inter Miami, attention now turns back to the MLS regular season.