Miami, Aug. 13 -- Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning legend Lionel Messi made a return to the pitch, but Inter Miami crashed out of the Leagues Cup with a 2-3 loss to Leon on Wednesday.

Messi, who lost his father, Jorge (68) on Tuesday, was not part of the starting line-up as Leon faced Inter Miami at their home venue. With the side leading 1-0 at the half-time, Messi was brought in as a substitute for Daniel Pinter, who had put the home side in the lead, as per ESPN.

Jorge died Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, and Messi had travelled to Rosario via plane on Saturday, having attended a private memorial service.

Leon, having all three of their Leagues Cup games, secured an equaliser with a 50th-minute strike from Daniel Arcila, but Ya...