MIAMI — Lionel Messi has spent much of his career finding ways to change the outcome of a soccer match. But even one of the greatest players in history cannot always carry a team through difficult times.

Inter Miami is currently facing one of the toughest stretches of its season, going four consecutive matches without a victory. The slump comes at an especially emotional time for Messi, who recently returned to the club following the World Cup and the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at age 68.

Messi’s return to Inter Miami came under extraordinary circumstances. After his father’s death on Aug. 8 in Rosario, Argentina, Messi returned to the field only four days later against Club León in the Leagues Cup. Miami eventually lost the match 3-2, ending its run in the competition.

The loss was followed by another difficult result, a 4-1 defeat against Nashville SC in MLS. Messi missed a penalty in that match as Miami struggled on both ends of the field. The team entered its next game needing a response after a disappointing run.

That response finally arrived in Philadelphia, although it did not come in the form of a victory.

On Aug. 19, Messi scored his first goal since his father’s death during a 2-2 draw against the Philadelphia Union. After scoring in the first half, Messi looked toward the sky and pointed upward in an emotional tribute to his father. The goal was his 13th of the season and helped Miami earn a point, ending its three-game losing streak.

The moment demonstrated both the emotional and professional challenges Messi is facing. Jorge Messi was more than Lionel’s father. He was also his longtime representative and one of the most important figures in his son’s football career. His death has left Messi dealing with a deeply personal loss while continuing to perform under the enormous expectations that come with being Inter Miami’s captain and biggest star.

Despite the team’s struggles, Messi has continued to produce. His goal against Philadelphia moved him to 13 goals for the MLS season, keeping him near the top of the league’s scoring race. He also contributed an assist in the match.

But Inter Miami’s recent problems show that even Messi needs help.

The team has struggled defensively and has had difficulty turning possession and scoring opportunities into victories. In the Philadelphia match, Miami twice held the lead but could not protect it. The result extended the club’s winless run to four matches and left Miami seven points behind Eastern Conference leader Nashville.

For Inter Miami, the challenge now is to regain the confidence and consistency that made the club one of the most dangerous teams in MLS.

Messi’s presence still gives Miami a chance in almost every match. His vision, passing and ability to score from seemingly impossible situations remain unmatched. But soccer is a team sport, and Miami will need stronger performances from its entire squad if it hopes to make a serious run toward another championship.

For Messi, meanwhile, the coming weeks will be about more than soccer. He is attempting to lead his team while dealing with the loss of one of the most influential people in his life.

The road ahead will not be easy. But if Messi’s career has shown anything, it is that difficult moments do not necessarily define the final result.

For Inter Miami, the hope is that its captain can once again help turn adversity into success!