Lionel Messi Scores Emotional Goal After Father’s Death in Inter Miami Draw

Lionel Messi scored an emotional goal for Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union on Thursday, marking his first strike since the death of his father, Jorge, earlier this month.

Messi’s father died at the age of 68 on August 8 in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge had also been a longtime representative of the Argentine football legend.

Messi points to the sky after emotional goal

The 39-year-old Messi found the net in the 26th minute at Subaru Park after shaking off his marker before curling a left-footed effort into the goal.

Immediately after scoring, Messi pointed toward the sky in a poignant celebration, appearing to dedicate the goal to his late father.

Earlier, Messi had paid tribute to Jorge, describing him as his father, friend and representative while admitting that he was struggling to understand how to move forward without him.

Messi reaches another career milestone

The goal was another significant milestone in Messi’s remarkable career. It was the 922nd goal of his professional career, his 70th in Major League Soccer and his 13th goal of the 2026 season.

The strike also moved Messi to within one goal of Dallas striker Petar Musa in the MLS Golden Boot race. Messi won the award last season and has also registered nine assists in 17 MLS appearances this campaign.

It was Messi’s first goal since his 83rd-minute strike against Egypt in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.

Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union play out 2-2 draw

Messi’s goal helped Inter Miami take a 2-1 lead before halftime. Miami had opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Luis Suárez’s cross was headed into the path of Dániel Pintér, who finished the opportunity.

Philadelphia responded through Indiana Vassilev, who scored with a volley to bring the hosts back into the contest.

The Union eventually restored parity in the 58th minute when 18-year-old defender Neil Pierre headed home his third goal in five games this season.

Cavan Sullivan was credited with the assist for Vassilev’s goal.

Philadelphia denied late winner after VAR review

Philadelphia thought it had taken the lead four minutes after Pierre’s equalizer when Milan Iloski found the back of the net.

However, the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review, allowing Inter Miami to escape with a 2-2 draw.

Messi continues comeback after father’s funeral

Inter Miami entered the match hoping to end a three-game losing streak after suffering defeats against two Mexican clubs in the Leagues Cup.

The draw extended Miami’s winless run, but Messi once again provided the team’s biggest moments during his third appearance since returning from Argentina following his father’s funeral.

Messi returned to action as a substitute in Inter Miami’s August 12 defeat to Leon, playing 45 minutes. He then started against Nashville and completed the full 90 minutes, although he missed a penalty and hit the post twice while also assisting Telasco Segovia’s goal.

Against Philadelphia, Messi’s emotional goal and assist underlined his continued importance to Inter Miami as he works his way back to full form following a deeply personal loss.