Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia Union in MLS. Messi scored in the 26th minute. He moved inside from about 12 yards, used his left foot, and curled the ball into the far corner. It was a classic Messi goal.
After scoring, Messi did not celebrate wildly. He hugged his teammates and then pointed to the sky. The moment was very emotional because his father had died less than two weeks earlier.
Lionel Messi Finds the Net Again After a Difficult Period
Messi had not scored in his first two games after returning to football.
The 39-year-old went back to Argentina after his father, Jorge Messi, died in Rosario on August 8 at the age of 68. After his father’s funeral, Messi returned to Inter Miami and resumed playing. He had also said that the loss made him unsure about his future in football.
Messi did not score in his first two games back. But against Philadelphia Union, he looked ready to make a difference.
He scored in the 26th minute to give Inter Miami a 2-1 lead. It was his first goal since his father’s death.
A Special Celebration
For Messi, the goal meant much more than just scoring. After the goal, he did not celebrate in his usual way. He hugged his teammates and then looked up and pointed at the sky.
It was a very emotional moment for the Argentina captain. Jorge Messi was not only his father. He was also an important part of Lionel’s football journey. By pointing to the sky, Messi seemed to remember his father and dedicate the goal to him.
Jorge Messi’s Role in Lionel’s Career
Jorge Messi played a big role in Lionel’s football career. Lionel joined Newell’s Old Boys when he was seven. He grew up supporting the Rosario club, just like his father.
When Barcelona signed Lionel at the age of 13, the Messi family moved to Spain in February 2001. Later, Lionel’s mother and siblings returned to Rosario, but Jorge stayed in Barcelona with his son. He also worked as Lionel’s agent when Lionel was very young and stayed close to his career.
Jorge witnessed many of Lionel’s biggest moments, including Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win in Qatar. The information about Jorge Messi’s role in Lionel’s career and the family’s history comes from BBC Sport reporter Ben Collins.
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From Rosario to Football Greatness
Jorge supported Lionel from the very beginning of his football journey. He helped his son move from Argentina to Spain and stayed with him as he developed at Barcelona.
Lionel later became one of the greatest footballers ever. He won eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona. He spent 17 seasons in Barcelona’s first team before moving to Inter Miami.
Jorge was there to see his son grow from a young player in Rosario into a global football star.
Messi Still Has Goals to Achieve
Even after a very difficult time, Messi has continued to help Inter Miami.
Against Philadelphia Union, he did more than score. He also made an assist and showed that he can still create chances for his teammates.
Inter Miami drew the game 2-2 and did not get all three points. But Messi’s performance was a positive sign after a difficult period. You can read the full report HERE.
He is also still fighting for the MLS Golden Boot, giving him another goal to chase this season.
MESSI MAGIC 🐐
He puts @InterMiamiCF in front with a trademark finish.
via @MLS pic.twitter.com/ArhAirZg9L
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 20, 2026
A Goal Full of Emotion
Some goals are remembered because they are beautiful, important or special. Messi’s latest goal is different.
The finish was typical Messi. He moved inside, used his left foot and curled the ball into the far corner.
But the moment after the goal was even more important.
Messi had lost his father only days earlier. He returned to football and finally scored again. When he pointed to the sky, he appeared to dedicate the goal to his father.
It was a quiet but very emotional moment for Messi.
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CONCLUSION
Lionel Messi’s first goal since his father Jorge Messi’s death will be remembered for more than just the goal he scored in the 26th minute against Philadelphia Union.
Messi scored during a very difficult time in his life. After scoring, he calmly pointed to the sky, seemingly to remember his father. Jorge played a big role in Messi’s journey from Rosario to becoming one of the greatest footballers in the world.
Messi’s return, goal, and assist show that he is trying to keep moving forward with Inter Miami, even while dealing with his loss.
The big question now is: Can Messi turn this difficult moment into another special chapter in his amazing career? What do you think? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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FAQs:-
(1) How many international goals has Lionel Messi scored so far?
A. As of August 2026, Lionel Messi has scored 125 international goals while playing for Argentina.
(2) How many goals did Messi score in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
A. Messi scored 8 goals in the FIFA World Cup 2026, leading his team to the final.
(3) Has Messi ever won a FIFA World Cup?
A. Yes. Messi won the FIFA WC 2022 with Argentina, beating France in the final 4-2 on penalties after a 3-3 score in the stipulated time + extra time.
