08/12/26 09:07:00
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08/12 21:05 CDT Len beats Inter Miami 3-2 on Arcila's two goals as Messi
returns after father's death
Len beats Inter Miami 3-2 on Arcila's two goals as Messi returns after
father's death
By ALANIS THAMES
AP Sports Writer
MIAMI (AP) --- Daniel Arcila scored twice, including the go-ahead goal in the
83rd minute, and Club Len advanced to the Leagues Cup knockout stage with a
3-2 win over Inter Miami, which saw star Lionel Messi return following the
death of his father.
Messi started the second half and received a loud ovation from fans at Miami's
Nu Stadium. It was his first match since his father, Jorge, died Saturday at
68. Messi shared a tribute to his father on social media earlier Wednesday,
saying he wasn't sure about his playing future.
"I don't know what I'm going to do without you," the post said in Spanish,
shared on Messi's Instagram. "I don't know how to keep going. All I ever did
was play soccer, and now I have serious doubts about whether I'll keep doing it
for much longer."
Jorge Messi played a fundamental role in the soccer star's career, serving as
his agent and managing his business affairs. Messi returned to his native
Argentina over the weekend, missing Miami's 2-1 loss to Monterrey on Saturday,
but was dressed and on the bench before subbing in for Daniel Pinter at the
start of the second half.
Juan Pablo Domnguez also scored for Len, which used a three-goal second half
to overcome a 1-0 deficit after Pinter put Miami ahead in the 42nd on an assist
from Ian Fray. It was the second straight blown second-half lead for Inter
Miami.
Arcila scored with a right-footed shot from the center of the box in the 50th,
then whipped the go-ahead goal past 0scar Garca for his fourth goal of the
tournament.
Yannick Bright also scored for Inter Miami, which was eliminated after winning
the Leagues Cup in 2023 and reaching the final last year.
The Herons' chances of advancing were already bleak after entering the match
12th in the MLS standings following their loss to Monterrey. Only the top four
clubs from the MLS standings and the top four from Liga MX will advance to the
quarterfinals.
Len, after winning its first two matches of the tournament, moved to first in
the Liga MX standings.
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