Messi praised for defying grief to feature in Inter Miami’s cup tie

Lionel Messi’s decision to return for Inter Miami just four days after the death of his father has been hailed by team-mate Casemiro, who said he had “never seen” a display of commitment like it.

Messi came on in the second half of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Club Leon, having not played for the club since his father died last Saturday. The Argentina captain had travelled to Argentina with his family following the bereavement.

Despite Messi’s return, Inter Miami were unable to continue in the competition. They lost 3-2 to Club Leon in the early-hours fixture and were eliminated in the group stage.

Casemiro said Messi had provided an example of professionalism by making himself available for the match, despite the difficult circumstances.

“He is an example to follow. I am sure he is going through an extremely difficult time, but his commitment, not only to the players but also to the club, was incredible; I have never seen anyone like him in my life. All we can do is thank him for being here,” Casemiro said, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Messi’s appearance came only four days after his father’s death, with the forward returning to action after spending time in Argentina with his family.

Casemiro said that response was one of the reasons Messi was considered one of the greatest players in football history.

“This is one of the reasons for Messi’s greatness,” he said. “He is one of the best players in history, if not the best.”

Messi was introduced after the interval against Club Leon, but his presence could not prevent Inter Miami from exiting the Leagues Cup. The defeat left the club frustrated after a tournament they had been determined to win.

Casemiro acknowledged that the circumstances made the result particularly painful, while insisting Inter Miami must continue working to improve.

“It is difficult, especially when you lose, but we know that we have to keep improving. It was a tournament that I really wanted to win, and the result left us extremely disappointed,” he said.

The Brazilian midfielder’s comments focused on Messi’s decision to play rather than the result itself. He described the forward’s willingness to make himself available as remarkable, given that he had not returned to Inter Miami since the family loss.

Messi’s second-half involvement represented his first participation for the club since travelling to Argentina on Saturday. However, Inter Miami’s 3-2 defeat meant that the captain’s return did not alter the outcome of their Leagues Cup campaign, which ended at the group-stage phase.