Messi starts for Inter Miami after father’s death

Lionel Messi returned to the starting lineup for Inter Miami against Nashville on August 15, days after his father Jorge's death. The footballer had flown to Rosario, Argentina, for his father's memorial services and missed the previous match. Inter Miami's manager asked for privacy for the player, saying silence and tranquility were the best approach.

Jorge Messi died on August 8 after a prolonged illness. He had moved to Barcelona for his son's career and later became his business manager. Messi posted a tribute on social media, expressing regret that his father could not see him play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, which Argentina lost to Spain. He wrote that he wanted to win the trophy for his father but could not physically perform at his best.

The match against Nashville saw Messi captain the side. Times Now reported that he had previously come off the bench against Leon. The manager's comments highlighted the need to give Messi space to grieve.