Lionel Messi’s Surprise Comeback Can’t Save Inter Miami from Shocking 2026 Leagues Cup Exit
Having missed the previous fixture against Monterrey following the passing of his father, during which he traveled to Argentina, Messi completed a rapid turnaround back to Florida after spending private time with his family. Arriving in Miami on Wednesday morning, the team captain shocked fans by appearing on the official matchday roster before taking the field.
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Despite playing only the second 45 minutes, Messi immediately impacted the match’s tempo against Club Leon. While unable to find the back of the net or record an assist, the forward created consistent danger, firing five shots (three on target), completing two successful dribbles, and delivering four key passes to advance the attack.
Worst Leagues Cup campaign for Inter Miami in Messi era
Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami in July 2023, the Leagues Cup had served as a primary stage for the club’s domestic dominance. During their inaugural tournament run in 2023, the team swept through the bracket to lift the trophy, fueled by an extraordinary performance from Messi, who tallied 10 goals in seven matches.
In the 2024 edition, the Herons were unable to defend their crown, falling in the Round of 16 against the Columbus Crew during a tournament Messi missed entirely while recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the 2024 Copa America final. In 2025, despite managing lingering injuries to feature in four matches (two goals, two assists), Messi helped lead the Herons back to the final before falling 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders.
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The 2026 campaign produced a far different outcome. Following an opening 4-2 victory over Atletico San Luis and back-to-back losses to Monterrey and Club Leon, Inter Miami were officially eliminated in the opening phase. Finishing 15th in the tournament standings with three points, seven goals scored, and seven conceded, the exit marks the worst Leagues Cup campaign in franchise history.
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