Arizona Tribune - Grieving Messi available for Miami in Leagues Cup clash

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Grieving Messi available for Miami in Leagues Cup clash / Photo: Rich Storry - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

Grieving Messi available for Miami in Leagues Cup clash

SPORTS 12.08.2026

Lionel Messi, fresh off his flight from Argentina, will be available to come off the bench on Wednesday in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup group stage match against Mexican side Leon.

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The Argentina captain flew to Miami on Tuesday night after attending the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, near Rosario on Sunday.

On Wednesday, he posted an emotional tribute to his father on social media, saying he had "serious doubts" about continuing his career for "much longer."

"I don't know what I'll do without you, I don't know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer," the Argentinian, 39, wrote.

Messi's father, who was also his agent, died last week aged 68.

Nevertheless, Messi wasted no time in making himself available to coach Guillermo Hoyos for Miami's last attempt to reach the quarterfinals of the Leagues Cup, the competition for Major League Soccer and Mexican Liga MX sides.

Miami were without Messi when they lost their second group stage match against Monterrey 2-1. They have three points and must beat Leon and hope for other results to fall their way on Wednesday if they are to reach the knockout stage.

Miami will start Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Brazilian Casemiro, but will be without forwards Luis Suarez, who is suspended, and German Berterame, who is recovering from a concussion.

A.Clark--AT

Arizona Tribune - Grieving Messi available for Miami in Leagues Cup clash

Grieving Messi available for Miami in Leagues Cup clash

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