Casemiro hailed Lionel Messis commitment after the Inter Miami star returned to action just four days after the death of his father Jorge. Messi was not expected back for the Leagues Cup tie with Club Leon he had penned an emotional letter earlier Wednesday in which he questioned whether he wanted to carry on playing but was named on the bench and came on at half-time at Nu Stadium.His presence was not enough to stave off a 3-2 defeat as Miami crashed out of a competition they reached the final of last season but Brazilian team-mate Casemiro was quick to pay tribute to the 39-year-old.The former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder said: He [Messi] sets a great example. After all, he is surely going through a very difficult time, but the commitment he has shown, not just to the players but to the club, has been incredible. Ive never seen anything like it in my life.We have to say thank you, thank you for coming here, for helping us, and for helping the club.Casemiros midfield partner Yannick Bright echoed those thoughts, adding: Its incredible. I wasnt expecting it and it shows how much he cares.When I saw that he was here, all I thought about was giving 150% for him. Its a tough situation, so were trying to stay close to him and offer as much support as we can.Daniel Arcila scored twice for Club Leon with the Mexican club finishing with three wins from three.Miami have little time to dwell on a rare failure and must now retrain their focus on to Saturdays clash against Major League Soccer Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC.Messi is likely to take on a more central role in that game in another indication that he intends to continue playing after suggesting he was considering his future following Jorges passing at the weekend.Table of ContentsWhat did Messi write on Instagram?Messi reveals Dad persuaded him to go to the World CupMessi struggled to make an impact in the finalWhat did Messi write on Instagram?Jorge, who was also Messis long-time agent, missed the World Cup after his condition deteriorated following a prolonged illness. He subsequently died aged 68 in his hometown of Rosario, in the early hours of Saturday morning.Messi, 39, wrote on Instagram: I dont know what Im going to do without you.I dont know how to carry on. I used to just play football, and now Im really not sure if Ill carry on doing it for much longer.You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end. Why couldnt you hold on just a little longer so we could finish it together?Messi reveals Dad persuaded him to go to the World CupMessi gave serious consideration to not playing at the World Cup but revealed Jorge had persuaded him to give it one last shot.Messi wrote: Dad, you kept asking me to play in one last World Cup just days before it began was when your condition got worse.It was the first time you werent going to be there with me at tournament but Mom kept telling me you were going to get better and that youd be well enough to travel.I kept telling you we were going to reach the World Cup final so you could make the trip, this was my mission once again.After every match, I waited for and missed your message. Thats when I realised how serious the situation really was.I couldnt stop thinking about going as far as possible, give you more time and the chance to watch one of the games.Messi struggled to make an impact in the finalIt was an exhausting tournament for the former Barcelona and PSG star, who captained his country to extra-time wins over Cape Verde and Switzerland before a mentally draining semi-final victory over old foes England.And Messi conceded had nothing left to give against Spain as the defending champions lost 1-0.He added: We reached the final, but you couldnt be there. I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you another one. I couldnt.My legs just couldnt give me any more. This time I tried to push beyond what my body could handle, but I couldnt.I never managed to feel physically right.We didnt become champions Dad, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play in it as you told me, always. Topics Inter Miami CF Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Lionel Messi releases emotional statement following Dads death and hints at retirement Jon Fisher 13th August, 2026 Vitinha votes for outsider trio as Ballon dOr winners: It would be normal Ben Miller 11th August, 2026 Inter Miami pay tribute to absent Lionel Messi after death of his father 101 GreatGoals 9th August, 2026 Lionel Messis father Jorge dies aged 68 Mitch Fretton 8th August, 2026 Argentina: No pressure on Messi to play 2028 Copa America Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026 Inter Miami vs Monterrey: Line-ups, stats and preview for Leagues Cup clash Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026
