In a somber moment for Inter Miami, head coach Guillermo Hoyos opened up about the absence of Lionel Messi, who has stepped away from the team following the recent death of his father. This personal tragedy has not only affected Messi but has also cast a shadow over the club’s campaign in the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Having left to be with his family in Rosario, Argentina, just days after the heartbreaking news, Messi’s departure coincided with a critical phase in Inter Miami’s tournament journey. The team suffered a setback with a second-round loss to Rayados, a defeat that seriously undermined their hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals. Depending on the results of other matches, Inter Miami could face mathematical elimination even before playing their upcoming group stage game against León.
Coach Hoyos Reflects on Messi’s Grief and Team Updates
Addressing the media in the lead-up to the decisive group match, Guillermo Hoyos expressed the profound sorrow shared by the entire club over Messi’s loss. “We all know what happened with Leo, and it is a tremendous tragedy,” Hoyos stated candidly. “It’s immense grief, and we’ve felt it deeply right along with him. It’s been very tough, and times like this often leave you at a loss for words. When you go through something this painful, recovering takes time, but that’s a reality we all face. You never really learn how to deal with it because the pain is so deep.”
Beyond the emotional toll on the squad, Hoyos also provided an update on striker Germán Berterame, who recently suffered a frightening head injury. “Berte is completely recovered,” the coach confirmed, signaling optimism about the forward’s imminent return to action. “We’re just waiting on the timeline set by the league, but we still have a few days before he can rejoin the team.”
As Inter Miami prepares for their crucial fixture against León, the weight of Messi’s absence remains palpable, underscoring the human side behind the competition’s high stakes.