Lionel Messi in Nashville vs. Inter Miami, live: the minute by minute of the match

Lionel Messi expressed deep doubts about his future in football in a heartfelt farewell letter to his father, Jorge, following the latter’s death. The message, posted on his Instagram account, revealed emotional turmoil and uncertainty over whether he will continue playing professionally. Messi wrote, “I only played football and now I have many doubts about whether I will keep doing it for much longer.” The letter was released just days after Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 due to deteriorating health, with the funeral taking place in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge Messi died on Saturday morning at a hospital in Rosario after his condition worsened. His passing came shortly before the start of the FIFA World Cup, which had been a key goal for Messi and his family. In the letter, Messi recalled how his father had always supported him throughout his career, even during difficult times. He described their close relationship, noting that his father would often accompany him to training sessions and matches, despite his demanding work schedule. Messi also mentioned how his father had always believed in his talent and encouraged him to pursue football as a lifelong passion. The emotional tone of the letter was underscored by Messi's reflections on the recent World Cup. He recounted how his father had been unable to attend the tournament, which he had hoped would be a shared moment. Messi wrote, “You were right: I had to be there and play it. You were always the person who had to be in each moment and never made a mistake.” Despite the pain of losing his father, Messi acknowledged that his father’s guidance had shaped his journey in football. In addition to expressing his grief, Messi questioned his own role in the sport. He wrote, “I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to continue. I only played football and now I have many doubts about whether I will keep doing it for much longer.” This admission marked a rare moment of vulnerability for the Argentine icon, who has long been known for his dedication and resilience on the field. Following the publication of the letter, Messi returned to action with Inter Miami, participating in a match against León in the Leagues Cup. Though the team ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat, Messi received widespread support from fans and teammates alike. During the game, he was celebrated by the crowd and engaged in moments of camaraderie with players from both teams. Despite the loss, the performance highlighted Messi’s continued presence in professional football, even amid personal hardship. Earlier in the week, Messi had also faced another challenge when Inter Miami was defeated 4-1 by Nashville in a crucial MLS match. In this game, Messi missed a penalty and was cautioned, contributing to the team’s downfall. The result left Inter Miami in a precarious position within the league standings, though the club remains one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference. Despite these setbacks, Messi continues to be a focal point for Inter Miami, with the club maintaining its position at the top of the table. The team is set to face Austin FC in the upcoming MLS match, which will be broadcast exclusively through Apple TV+. The game represents another step in Messi’s ongoing journey with the club, even as he grapples with questions about his future in the sport. As the season progresses, Messi’s emotional state and performance will remain under scrutiny. While his return to competitive play has been met with admiration, the personal challenges he faces will likely shape his decisions moving forward. For now, however, the focus remains on the next match, where Messi will once again attempt to lead Inter Miami toward victory.