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Messi Returns, León Downs Miami in Leagues Cup Thriller
13 Aug
Summary
- Messi returned to play after his father's death, receiving a standing ovation.
- Daniel Arcila scored the go-ahead goal for León in the 83rd minute.
- Inter Miami was eliminated from the Leagues Cup after this 3-2 loss.
Club León secured their spot in the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Inter Miami. The match saw the highly anticipated return of Lionel Messi, who entered the game at the start of the second half, just days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Fans at Miami's Nu Stadium gave Messi a warm reception.
León mounted a second-half comeback after Inter Miami took a 1-0 lead into halftime with a goal from Daniel Pinter. Juan Pablo Domínguez and Daniel Arcila scored for León, with Arcila providing the decisive goal in the 83rd minute. This loss marked the second consecutive second-half lead blown by Inter Miami, confirming their elimination from the tournament.
Messi had expressed profound grief and uncertainty about his future in soccer following his father's death, stating he had serious doubts about continuing to play. His father had been instrumental in his career. Inter Miami, already struggling in the MLS standings, could not overcome the deficit, ending their Leagues Cup title defense.
