Lionel Messi scores first goal since father's death with touching tribute

Lionel Messi returned to the scoresheet with a goal and an assist for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union. The Argentine captain's first goal since his father's death came with a subdued celebration as Miami drew 2-2.Messi pointed to the sky after scoring, dedicating the moment to his late father. (Photo: Reuters)Lionel Messi, the Argentina and Inter Miami captain, scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, as Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Philadelphia Union in MLS on Wednesday. The 39-year-old also provided an assist in an emotional return to the scoresheet.Jorge Messi, Lionel's father and longtime representative, died aged 68 on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina. Messi had travelled home for the funeral and returned to action shortly afterwards, but failed to score in his first two appearances.WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:The forward was involved from the start at Subaru Park and helped create Miami's opener in the 21st minute. His cross found Luis Suarez, whose header fell into the path of Daniel Pinter for a close-range finish.Five minutes later, Messi produced the moment Miami had been waiting for. He cut inside onto his preferred left foot from around 12 yards and curled the ball into the far corner to put Inter Miami 2-1 ahead. The celebration was restrained. Messi briefly embraced his teammates before pointing towards the sky, a quiet gesture coming less than two weeks after his father's death.MESSI BACK AMONG THE GOALSThe goal was Messi's 13th in 17 MLS appearances this season and moved him to second in the Golden Boot race, one behind FC Dallas striker Petar Musa. He also has nine assists in the league. Philadelphia fought back after the break, with Indiana Vassilev scoring on a volley before 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre headed in his third goal in five matches to level the contest.The Union thought they had gone ahead again through Milan Iloski, but the goal was ruled out after a review found Pierre offside in the build-up.For Miami, the draw ended a three-match losing streak across competitions. The defending MLS Cup champions had suffered defeats against Mexican side Leon in the Leagues Cup before a 4-1 loss to Nashville, a game in which Messi missed a penalty and hit the post twice.The result, however, extended Miami's winless run to four matches and left them seven points behind Eastern Conference leaders Nashville.The match ended on a chaotic note, with Yannick Bright and 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan both sent off in stoppage time following an off-the-ball scuffle.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 20, 2026 09:00 IST