Inter Miami paid tribute to captain Lionel Messi during their Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away aged 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
Ahead of kick-off at Nu Stadium, the club observed a minute of silence, displayed Jorge Messi’s name on the stadium screens and wore black armbands in his honour.
In the 10th minute, supporters applauded and unveiled banners of support, including one that read “Fuerza Leo”, meaning “Stay strong, Leo.”
Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who captained the side in Messi’s absence, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute and dedicated his goal by holding up a Messi No. 10 jersey.
However, late strikes from Hugo Cuypers and Diego Rossi handed Monterrey a 2-1 victory, denting Miami’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages.
According to ESPN, Messi travelled to Rosario on Saturday evening to attend private family services.
Tributes poured in from across the football world, including messages from Inter Miami, FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, CONMEBOL and Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia, who ordered black armbands and a minute of silence at domestic matches across the country.
Teammate Luis Suárez also shared a message of support, while Monterrey manager Matías Almeyda opened his post-match press conference by offering condolences to the Messi family.
“Friend, I hug you and your family strongly. Your dad, from above, will continue to watch you with pride like he always did. All my love in these difficult moments to the Messi family. Rest in peace, Jorge,” Suárez wrote on Instagram.
Inter Miami said in a statement, “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”
Jorge Messi died at a hospital in Rosario after undergoing treatment for an undisclosed condition.
A former chemical technician, steelworker and youth midfielder for Newell’s Old Boys, he is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children: Rodrigo, Matías, Lionel and María Sol.
Throughout Lionel Messi’s career, Jorge served as his adviser, agent and business manager.
He accompanied his son to Spain for his trial at Barcelona’s La Masia academy and later oversaw major contract negotiations, including moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while managing his commercial partnerships and business interests.