New Delhi: Contrary to reports that he is planning to take an indefinite break from football after his father’s death, made an emotional return for Inter Miami on Wednesday, August 12. Messi made his comeback for Inter Miami in their crucial Leagues Cup match against Leon just four days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge Messi passed away on August 08 after a long battle with illness. In addition to sharing a close bond with his son, Jorge also served as Messi’s personal agent and representative. He played a huge role in shaping Messi’s football career, from his days as a teenager in his hometown of Rosario to his rise as a global football icon at Barcelona.
Messi was training with Inter Miami when he received the news of his father’s death. He flew to his home town of Rosario to attend a private funeral service for his father and spend time with his family. Reports claimed on Wednesday that the Argentine legend might opt for a long break from football after his father’s death.
However, he returned to action in Miami on Wednesday and featured in the second half of Inter Miami’s clash against Leon in the Leagues Cup. It was an emotional return for the 39-year-old, who had earlier said he doesn’t know how to carry on playing football after the death of his father. Messi’s return didn’t work in his side’s favour as Leon beat Inter Miami 3-2 with the help of a brace from Daniel Arcila.
I don’t know how to carry on: Messi after his father’s demise
Earlier, Messi paid an emotional tribute to his father with a post on social media, where he expressed his love and admiration for him. Messi wrote how his father’s absence has left a huge void in his life, leaving him wondering if he could continue playing football and for how long.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on. I only played football, and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for much longer,” Messi wrote in his post.
“You were my dad, my friend and my representative,” he added, reminiscing about how his father would accompany him for practice and would never miss a chance to see him play.
Messi started on the bench in Inter Miami’s clash against Leon on Wednesday before coming on as a substitute in the second half. He gave his all on the pitch, however, his return couldn’t prevent Inter Miami’s 3-2 defeat in the game.