Lionel Messi scores first goal for Inter Miami since father’s death

Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father Jorge on August 8, netting in the 26th minute with a curling left-footed shot to give Inter Miami a 2-1 lead against the Philadelphia Union in an MLS fixture on August 19, 2026. After scoring, Messi pointed to the sky in tribute to his late father before sharing a brief smile with teammates. However, Inter Miami could not hold on, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw.