Former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro expressed admiration for Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami star's unexpected return. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Barcelona icon resumed competitive play days after the heartbreaking loss of his father .
The Brazilian spoke glowingly of his new teammate following his return in Miami's 3-2 loss to Mexican team Club León in the Leagues Cup. Messi entered as a second-half substitute in his first appearance since the death of his father, Jorge, on Saturday at the age of 68. The return from the Argentina star struck a chord with Casemiro who lavished praise on the forward.
He said, via The Mirror : "He's an example. I'm sure he's going through a very difficult time, but his commitment, not only to the players but also the club, was incredible.
Jorge Messi sadly died at the age of 68 after a lengthy illness -Credit:Luciano Bisbal, Getty Images
"I've never seen anything like it in my life. All I can do is thank him for being here. That's why he's so great and one of the best in history, if not the best. We have to take our hats off to him and say thank you, continue supporting him, and encouraging him."
The duo now finally occupy the same locker room following their epic battles during Casemiro's stint at Real Madrid. The 34-year-old delivered an exceptional final season at Old Trafford, recording his most productive goalscoring season for United, but became a free agent this summer.
Inter Miami secured the veteran midfielder's signature, defeating Major League Soccer (MLS) competitor LA Galaxy. Messi alluded to the possibility of retirement following the passing of his father.
The 39-year-old has encountered mounting speculation regarding the possibility of concluding his illustrious career, and he offered a significant indication of this whilst honoring his late dad. He wrote on Instagram: "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to go on.
"I just played football, and now I have serious doubts that I'll be able to keep doing it for much longer. You were by my side from the beginning; the end was so close. Why couldn't you hold on that little bit longer and we could have finished together?
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"I know your happiness came from seeing your family well, your wife, your children, and, above all, without the others finding out, seeing me play... It was always like that from the time I was little. You took me to every training session as soon as you got home from work. My mom took me to many of them because you were working.
"Obviously, you never missed a match. How you suffered watching me and how you enjoyed it, even though you never gave me much praise. You were a father, a friend, and an agent.
"You were always the person you needed to be in every moment, and you were never wrong about anything. Beyond some reproaches or arguments, you were always right. In the end, things always turned out the way you said.
"I'm going to miss you so much, but you'll always be present, especially in my children's upbringing, because I teach and raise them the way you did me. Rest in peace and watch over us from above like you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad."
Inter Miami exited the Leagues Cup following their loss to the Liga MX side. León leveled shortly after Messi's introduction, following Daniel Pinter's opening goal.
-Credit:Megan Briggs, Getty Images
The tie remained level only briefly as Yannick Bright reclaimed their advantage three minutes later. However, the visitors responded through Juan Domínguez, while Daniel Arcila added his second of the night, putting them three ahead at the summit with their undefeated run intact.
Casemiro featured for the full 90 minutes but endured back-to-back losses for the first time since his move to North America.
