Lionel Messi Stars on Comeback for Inter Miami, Scores First Goal Since Father's Death (Watch Video)
Lionel Messi scored an emotional first goal since the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, in Inter Miami's 2-2 Major League Soccer draw against Philadelphia Union on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Subaru Park. The 39-year-old maestro's poignant strike, coming after his father's death on August 8, 2026, was a testament to his resilience.
In a poignant night marked by resilience and a heartfelt tribute, Lionel Messi found the back of the net for Inter Miami, scoring his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month. The Argentine maestro's emotional strike came during a challenging Major League Soccer (MLS) encounter on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, which saw Inter Miami secure a 2-2 draw against a spirited Philadelphia Union side at Subaru Park. Lionel Messi's Father Jorge Messi Passes Away After Prolonged Battle With Illness
VIDEO - Lionel Messi's First Goal for Inter Miami After His Father's Demise
MAGIC from Messi as @InterMiamiCF take the lead over the Union! 🪄 pic.twitter.com/lJ5tpDMUIA
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 20, 2026
Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, passed away at the age of 68 on August 8, 2026, in his native Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness. Messi, 39, had returned to action for Inter Miami following his father's funeral but had remained off the scoresheet in his prior two appearances, making this goal a deeply significant moment.
Match Highlights and Lionel Messi's Impact
The match, a critical MLS regular season fixture, began with Philadelphia Union taking an early lead in the 11th minute through Indiana Vassilev. Inter Miami responded swiftly, equalizing in the 21st minute when academy product Daniel Pinter capitalized on a header from Luis Suárez, set up by a precise cross from Messi. Just five minutes later, Messi himself provided the moment the football world had been anticipating. Receiving the ball on the right edge of the box, he expertly cut inside onto his favored left foot and curled a sublime shot into the far corner, giving Inter Miami a 2-1 lead. His celebration was notably restrained, a quiet gesture towards the sky, acknowledging his immense personal loss.
The second half saw the Union fight back, with Neil Pierre leveling the score at 2-2 in the 58th minute. Despite Inter Miami's efforts to find a winner, the scoreline held, resulting in a draw that halted Inter Miami's three-game losing streak but extended their winless run to four matches across all competitions.
Team Form and Outlook
Inter Miami, the defending MLS Cup champions, had been struggling for form leading into this fixture, having suffered defeats in the Leagues Cup against Mexican side Leon and a 4-1 loss to Nashville SC in MLS, a game where Messi notably missed a penalty. The draw provides a small measure of relief, though they remain seven points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville. Lionel Messi Penalty Miss Video: Inter Miami Captain Misses Third Successive Spot-Kick
Philadelphia Union, meanwhile, has shown renewed vigor post-2026 FIFA World Cup break, securing two consecutive home victories against Red Bull New York and Seattle Sounders prior to this draw.
Messi's return to the scoresheet, under such profound personal circumstances, underscores his enduring class and commitment to Inter Miami. While the draw extends the team's winless streak, the emotional significance of his goal provides a glimmer of hope and a powerful testament to the human spirit in the face of adversity.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2026 10:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
