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

Messi’s 26th-minute goal in the MLS fixture against Philadelphia Union comes just 11 days after the passing of his father Jorge on August 8.Published On 20 Aug 202620 Aug 2026Lionel Messi scored his first goal since his father’s death, pointing to the sky in tribute, but Inter Miami had to settle for a 2-2 Major League Soccer (MLS) draw on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Union.The Argentine superstar gave Miami a 2-1 lead in the 26th minute with a trademark curling left-footed shot into the far corner.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Premier League form guide: Ranking the title contenders for 2026-27 seasonlist 2 of 2Mourinho fires Real Madrid shot at Barcelona saying he ‘didn’t need’ Rodriend of listAfter a restrained celebration with teammates, in which he allowed himself a brief smile, the Miami captain pointed his hands towards the sky over Philadelphia.Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father and agent, died on August 8, 2026, at age 68.Messi was instrumental in Miami’s first goal just five minutes earlier as he picked up a run down the left flank from Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez, who headed the ball across for a close-range finish by young American Daniel Pinter.The hos...