Lionel Messi returned to action for Inter Miami on Wednesday, four days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, but could not prevent a 3-2 defeat to Club Leon that eliminated the team from the Leagues Cup.
Messi came on as a substitute in the match, which came hours after he hinted that he may retire from football. The Argentine star's emotional appearance was not enough to overturn the result, and Inter Miami's hopes of continuing in the tournament were dashed.
The loss marked an end to Inter Miami's Leagues Cup campaign, with the team falling short against the Mexican side. Messi's future in the game remains uncertain following his retirement hint, but his return to the pitch just days after his father's death was a poignant moment for the player and his fans.