Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s lineup as the team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Monterrey during the Leagues Cup group stage on Saturday night, following the passing of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi.
Diego Rossi emerged as the hero for Monterrey, delivering the decisive goal in the 90th minute that sealed their 2-1 victory over an Inter Miami squad missing its star forward.
Earlier on the same day, Messi traveled back to Argentina after the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The timeline for his return to Inter Miami remains unclear.
Prior to this, the 39-year-old had taken a two-week hiatus following his pivotal role in leading Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup. He rejoined Inter Miami as a substitute during their 2-2 draw with Columbus on August 1. Messi’s impact was immediate in the Leagues Cup, contributing two goals and an assist in Miami’s 4-2 victory against Atletico San Luis just days before the Monterrey match.
Inter Miami’s Challenging Path Forward
Currently holding a 1-1-0 record and three points in the group, Inter Miami faces an uphill battle to progress in the 18-team Leagues Cup. Despite winning the tournament in 2023 and reaching the final last year, their prospects of advancing to the knockout stage look uncertain with only one group match remaining.