Messi's Wednesday Miami return clouds Club Leon Leagues Cup hopes
Lionel Messi is slated to fly back to Miami on Wednesday, yet his chances of featuring in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup clash with Club Leon appear slim. The Argentine star left the United States after his father's death and is expected to touch down in South Florida later that day.
Flight back to Miami
According to Argentine outlet Todo Noticias, Messi will depart his hometown of Rosario, Santa Fe, at 10:30 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The forward is expected to arrive in the United States by Wednesday afternoon, giving him time to gradually resume training with Inter Miami.
The Leagues Cup group‑stage finale against Club Leon is set for the same night at 9:30 p.m. ET, making his availability highly doubtful. Inter Miami officials have not confirmed whether he will be cleared to travel to the match venue.
When asked about a possible return ahead of the fixture, Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos said he has “nothing” regarding the star’s exact timeline. The coach’s comment underscores the uncertainty surrounding Messi’s participation.
Inter Miami executives are reportedly granting the team captain full autonomy to manage his personal timeline before rejoining squad activities. The club’s approach reflects the sensitive nature of the Argentine superstar’s recent family loss.
Messi’s journey began on Saturday, August 8, when he left Fort Lauderdale on a private jet and landed at Islas Malvinas Airport in Fisherton. He then traveled to El Prado cemetery in Perez to pay respects to his late father, Jorge Messi, before returning Sunday to his residence in the gated community of Kentucky in Funes, where he has spent private time with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children.
Inter Miami's Leagues Cup challenge
Inter Miami now sit on the brink of elimination from the 2026 Leagues Cup, grappling with a severe frontline roster crunch. Their crucial group‑stage match against Club Leon is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12.
Beyond the cup, the Herons travel on Saturday to GEODIS Park to face Nashville SC in a high‑stakes clash for the top spot in the 2026 Supporters’ Shield race. Nashville currently lead with 40 points, while Inter Miami trail closely with 38, and the team will later head to Philadelphia Union the following Wednesday.