Lionel Messi gets impromptu hug from rival on return after father's death. Moment goes viral

Lionel Messi’s emotional return to football was made even more special when Club Leon defender Jhohan Romana stopped him for a heartfelt hug during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash on Thursday, August 13.

The touching moment came just four days after the death of Messi’s father Jorge and drew a warm response from the fans at Miami’s Nu Stadium. Leon later shared the moment on social media, dedicating the hug to the Argentine superstar.

“This hug is from Leon, from everyone, from soccer, and it’s for you, dear Lionel,” the Mexican club wrote, ending its message with words of “respect and affection.”

Messi had returned to the pitch for the first time since his father’s death, coming on at the start of the second half. The Argentine had been expected to take an extended break after travelling to his native Rosario to attend his father’s funeral.

The return was particularly emotional after Messi admitted in a tribute to Jorge that he was unsure about continuing his football career.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to keep going. All I ever did was play soccer, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer,” Messi wrote in a post on Instagram.

Jorge Messi, who died aged 68, played a fundamental role in his son’s career. He served as Messi’s agent and managed his business affairs from the early stages of the footballer’s journey.

MESSI RETURNS BUT MIAMI CRASH OUT

Messi’s return, however, could not inspire Inter Miami to victory as León came from behind to win 3-2 and advance to the Leagues Cup knockout stage.

Messi started the second half after being named on the bench and received a loud ovation from the home fans as he entered the pitch.

Inter Miami had taken the lead in the 42nd minute through Daniel Pinter, who finished after an assist from Ian Fray. But Leon produced a strong second-half comeback.

Juan Pablo Domnguez levelled the score before Daniel Arcila scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the 83rd minute. Arcila’s second goal was his fourth of the tournament.

Yannick Bright scored for Inter Miami, but the Herons could not find another equaliser and were eliminated from the competition.

The defeat came after Inter Miami had already lost 2-1 to Monterrey in their previous match. Their hopes of progressing were slim heading into the game, with only the top four teams from MLS and Liga MX advancing to the quarter-finals.

Leon, who had won their first two matches of the tournament, moved to the top of the Liga MX standings.

For Messi, though, the result was secondary to a deeply personal return. Four days after losing his father and just hours after questioning whether he wanted to continue playing football, he was back on the pitch, where an opponent’s embrace offered a simple message of support.

– Ends