Lionel Messi "demonstrated what he is made of" as he made an emotional, unexpected return to action for Inter Miami this week.

That is according to Club Leon coach Javier Gandolfi, whose team beat Miami in the Leagues Cup, despite Messi's comeback.

Messi's father, Jorge, passed away on August 8.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner had been on a post-World Cup break, having reached the final with Argentina, who lost 1-0 to Spain on July 19.

But he returned to action with a substitute appearance in the Herons' 3-2 defeat on Wednesday. He recorded the joint-most shots (five) among Miami players, registered the most attempts on target (three), created the second-most chances (four) and completed two of his three dribbles.

Gandolfi, though, says Messi's comeback despite the circumstances shows just what he is all about.

"He is a player that as far as I can tell, is the best player in history," said Gandolfi.

"He's the best player in history, inside the pitch, and also with some other actions I would see at a distance.

"Today he demonstrated once more what he's made of. He is a human being that is different to the rest."

Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos added: "I've always said that this is a very painful thing and it sometimes takes a long time.

"When I lost my father, it was hard. He was my guide. I needed him in many cases and I felt alone.

"It's a big blow in a man's life, for an extraordinary man and an extraordinary family. So it's a very painful thing."

With Miami out of the Leagues Cup, Messi will now be looking to help his team get back to winning ways in a top-of-the-table MLS clash with Nashville on Saturday.

Nashville are two points better off than Miami at the top of the standings.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nashville SC - Sam Surridge

Surridge has scored 35 regular-season goals over the last two campaigns, the second-most by any MLS player in that time, behind Messi's 41.

He needs one more goal to become the second player to reach 50 regular-season goals with Nashville, after Hany Mukhtar (88).

Inter Miami - Luis Suarez

Suarez has scored seven goals over his last four MLS matches, scoring at least once in all four.

Prior to that stretch, Suarez had scored just once in his previous 16 regular-season matches dating back to the beginning of last October.

MATCH PREDICTION: NASHVILLE WIN

Miami may have Messi back, but Opta's model is predicting Nashville to edge out a victory.

Nashville and Miami have met 21 times across all competitions since both clubs joined MLS for the 2020 season (Miami W9, Nashville W5, D7).

The only fixture involving MLS teams with more matches since the beginning of 2020 is Vancouver Whitecaps versus Los Angeles FC (23).

Nashville have taken 25 points in their first nine home MLS matches this season (W8 D1), outscoring opponents 25-9 in those contests.

Over the last 25 seasons, Nashville are the seventh MLS team with 25+ points through nine home games and the previous six all won their 10th home match of the season.

Miami started the 2026 regular season with a 3-0 loss at LAFC but they are undefeated on the road in league play since (W8 D1).

The Herons have won six straight away matches in MLS play as they look to tie the competition record for the longest road winning streak in regular-season history (done five times).

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nashville SC - 43%

Draw - 23..8%

Inter Miami - 33.2%