Messi scores first goal since father's death in Inter Miami draw

Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The goal, Messi's 13th of the MLS season, came in the 26th minute and provided a moment of personal significance for the Argentine star amid a period of mourning.

Jorge Messi, 68, who also served as his son's longtime representative and agent, died on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. The elder Messi had been a central figure throughout his son's career, guiding him from his early days in Rosario through his legendary tenure at Barcelona and his eventual move to Inter Miami. In an emotional tribute posted on social media last week, Lionel Messi expressed his grief, stating he did not know how to continue without his father and recalling how Jorge had urged him to play in the 2026 World Cup despite his declining health.

Messi returned to competition for Inter Miami following the bereavement but had failed to score in his previous two appearances, a 3-2 Leagues Cup loss to León on August 12 and a 4-1 MLS defeat to Nashville SC on August 15. Against Philadelphia, he...