In Miami, Daniel Arcila netted two goals, including the crucial one in the 83rd minute, leading Club Leon to a 3-2 victory over Inter Miami and securing a spot in the League Cup finals. This game marked the return of Lionel Messi, who was back on the field following the passing of his father.
Messi entered the match in the second half, earning a heartfelt reception from fans at the New Stadium. This was his first game since his father, Jorge, passed away at 68 over the weekend. Messi took to social media on Wednesday to honor his father, expressing uncertainty about his future in soccer.
In an emotional Instagram post, Messi wrote in Spanish, “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He conveyed feelings of doubt about continuing his soccer career, stating, “So far all I’ve been able to do is play soccer, but now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll continue playing for much longer.”
Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son’s life as both his father and agent. After returning to Argentina for the funeral, Messi missed Miami’s 2-1 defeat to Monterrey but was on the bench and came on as a substitute for Daniel Pinter at the start of the second half.
Leon managed to turn the tide after falling behind 1-0, with three goals in the second half. Pinter had given Miami the lead in the 42nd minute, thanks to an assist from Ian Fry. This marked Inter Miami’s second consecutive game with a lead in the latter half.
Arcila added his fourth goal of the tournament in the 50th minute, launching a right-footed shot from the center of the box that got past Oscar García.
Yannick Bright also scored for Inter Miami, who were League Cup champions in 2023 and reached the finals last year but came up short.
The Herons faced an uphill battle before this match, sitting 12th in the MLS standings after their loss to Monterrey. Only the top four teams from both the MLS and Liga MX will progress to the quarterfinals.
With this victory, Leon climbed to the top of the Liga MX standings after winning their first two matches in the tournament.
