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Guillermo Hoyos believes Lionel Messi has begun to regain some of his composure following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month. The Inter Miami coach reckons his star looks in a better state on the pitch.
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The "Flea" returned to the pitch with Inter Miami last week, coming on as a substitute against Mexican side León in the Leagues Cup, a competition bringing together clubs from Major League Soccer and the Mexican league. That one ended in a 3-2 defeat for Messi's team.
Against Nashville last Sunday, the Argentina captain started. Inter Miami lost that one too, 4-1.
Hoyos told "Reuters": "He (Messi) seems to be in a good state, and he expresses himself on the pitch, which is where he feels most comfortable, and he also appears calmer."
Last week Messi published a moving message mourning his father, describing him as his father, his friend and his agent, and affirming that he did not know how he would carry on with his life without him.
Inter Miami midfielder Casemiro praised Messi's commitment to the team despite the difficult circumstances he is going through.
He said after the León match: "He is an exceptional role model. He is undoubtedly going through an extremely difficult period, but the commitment he has shown, not only towards his fellow players but towards the club as well, has been astonishing. I have never witnessed anything like it throughout my career."
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