Inter Miami's journey in the 2026 Leagues Cup came to an abrupt end on August 12, 2026, as they were defeated 3-2 by León in a dramatic match that marked the conclusion of the group stage. The match was particularly emotional for Lionel Messi, who made his return to the field after attending his father's funeral, receiving a heartfelt ovation from the crowd at Nu Stadium.

Messi, the captain of Inter Miami, entered the game as a substitute at the start of the second half while his team was leading 1-0. However, the tide quickly turned as León's Colombian forward, Daniel Arcila, scored twice, leading León to a comeback victory and securing their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

With this loss, Inter Miami finished the group stage with just three points, failing to qualify for the knockout rounds. This marks the first time since the tournament's expansion in 2023 that the team has been eliminated in the initial phase. In the previous year, Inter Miami had triumphed in the tournament, with Messi leading the team to victory shortly after joining the franchise alongside fellow stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

In addition to Inter Miami's exit, the tournament also saw the elimination of another prominent player, Antoine Griezmann, following Orlando City's draw with Atlético San Luis. As the fans rallied around Messi during this challenging time, he expressed his uncertainties about continuing his football career in a poignant letter dedicated to his late father.

León's victory not only advanced them to the next stage but also positioned them at the top of their group, awaiting the results of other matches to determine their quarter-final opponents. The defeat for Inter Miami highlights a disappointing campaign, especially after their strong performances in previous editions of the tournament.