Overview
- Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, died on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina, and Messi traveled home for a private memorial before returning to Miami.
- After returning to the club, Messi rejoined group training and made a second-half substitute appearance in Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against León.
- Fans gave Messi a standing ovation when he entered that match, underscoring public support as he grieves.
- Hoyos has publicly called for silence and calm, praised Messi’s character, and said the player will dictate his own playing schedule instead of the club setting minutes.
- Inter Miami faces a congested run of MLS fixtures — including matches against Nashville, Philadelphia, Toronto and Montreal — and Messi’s uncertain availability could affect squad selection and their push in the Supporters’ Shield race.