Lionel Messi returned as a half-time substitute for Inter Miami days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and after saying he was unsure how much longer he would continue playing. His appearance underlined his commitment to the club during a period of personal grief, although Miami lost 3-2 to Leon and were eliminated from the Leagues Cup.

Jorge Messi died in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68, following a long illness; he had acted as Lionel’s agent since the player was 14. Messi attended a private funeral on Sunday before travelling back to the United States, having missed Miami’s previous match against Monterrey. Team-mates praised his return, while Messi said his father had encouraged him to play in one final World Cup.