Lionel Messi Scores First Goal Since Father’s Death in Inter Miami Draw

Lionel Messi scored his first goal since his father’s death on August 21, 2026, in a 2-2 MLS match against the Philadelphia Union. The goal, a curling left-foot shot, gave Inter Miami a 2-1 lead before the Union equalised. Messi’s performance, however, was marred by a fine for head contact and a dip in the club’s power ranking.

Did Messi’s first goal since his father’s death lift Inter Miami’s form?

The 39-year-old striker found the back of the net in the 26th minute, a trademark curling left-foot shot into the far corner. Inter Miami had been winless for four matches before the game, but Messi’s goal moved the club to second place in the MLS power rankings. The draw, however, left the team still struggling to find consistency.

Why was Messi fined after the Philadelphia match?

MLS fined Messi an undisclosed amount for slapping Union defender Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck during stoppage time. The incident followed a brief exchange of words. Messi also added an assist, but the fine reflects MLS’s strict stance on head and neck contact.

How does Messi rank in the 2026 FC 100?

The FC 100 list, released by ESPN, places Messi among the top forwards in world soccer. The list is position-by-position, and Messi’s inclusion highlights his continued influence despite age. The ranking also notes PSG’s dominance and the broader spread of talent across positions.

What is Inter Miami’s current standing in MLS power rankings?

Inter Miami sits at second in the latest ESPN MLS power rankings, following Nashville SC and Vancouver Whitecaps. Nashville leads with 49 points after 21 games, while Vancouver’s 5-0 win over Dallas earned them the third spot. Inter Miami’s recent 2-1 loss to Toronto and five-game winless streak have dampened their momentum.

How did the football community react to Messi’s tribute to his father?

Messi posted a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, on Instagram on August 8. The post received 10 million likes and nearly 500,000 comments. Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo commented, “A huge hug to you and yours during these tough times, Leo. Much strength,” garnering 1.4 million likes. Other figures such as David Beckham, Carlos Alcaraz, and Angel Di Maria also offered support.

• Messi scored his first goal since August 8, 2026, in a 2-2 draw.
• He was fined for head contact during the same match.
• Inter Miami is ranked second in MLS power rankings after Nashville SC.
• Messi is featured in the 2026 FC 100 as a top forward.