Lionel Messi Scores Emotional Goal in Inter Miami's Draw Against Philadelphia Union

Messi Finds the Net in Draw

On Wednesday, Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi netted his first goal following the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi. This moment occurred during Inter Miami's 2-2 tie with Philadelphia Union in a Major League Soccer (MLS) match held at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Messi's goal, which took place in the 26th minute, saw him skillfully evade a defender before unleashing a powerful left-footed shot into the net, giving Miami a 2-1 lead in the first half. His teammates quickly gathered around him to celebrate this significant moment.

However, the Union's Neil Pierre managed to equalize in the 58th minute, resulting in a draw that ended Miami's three-match losing streak.

Messi's Touching Tribute to His Father

Jorge Messi, aged 68, passed away in a Rosario clinic after battling a prolonged illness, leaving Lionel Messi to cope with a profound personal loss.

In a poignant social media post following his father's death, Messi shared memories of his father's unwavering support, their shared aspirations for the World Cup, and the heartache of losing him. He expressed difficulty in envisioning life without his father.

Messi posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, featuring a photo with Jorge and a message reflecting his sorrow. He conveyed his struggle to accept the loss, stating that his father had left too soon. Messi recalled how Jorge encouraged him to participate in the 2026 World Cup despite his declining health, while Messi held onto hope that his father would recover in time to witness the tournament's final.

"Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. It hasn't sunk in--or rather, I don't want it to sink in. It's so hard to imagine that I won't see you again, that we won't talk anymore. I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together. You kept asking me to play in that last World Cup, but just days before it started, your condition took a turn for the worse. It was the first time you wouldn't be at a tournament, but Mom kept telling me you'd improve and be well enough to travel. I kept telling you we'd make it to the final so you could come," Messi wrote in his tribute.

Messi led Argentina to the final of the 2026 World Cup, but they were defeated by Spain, failing to defend their title.