The Inter Miami League paid tribute to the legendary Argentina player, Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, during the clash against Monterrey on Saturday. The club paid tribute to Jorge before the match, with players and supporters observing a moment of silence in his memory. The club’s players also wore black armbands as a mark of respect. Messi’s absence was felt on the pitch as Inter Miami eventually suffered a 2-1 defeat against Monterrey. Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s close friends and Argentina teammates, also paid an emotional tribute during the game.
After scoring Inter Miami’s opening goal, De Paul appeared to dedicate the strike to Messi and his late father. The gesture added an emotional dimension to a match that took place under difficult circumstances for the Miami captain and his family. The tragedy also led to Lionel Messi missing the match as he and his family flew to Rosario after the news of the death.
Lionel Messi misses match vs Monterrey, AFA’s president announces mourning for legend’s dad’s death
Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey on Saturday following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68. The Argentine superstar returned to his hometown of Rosario to be with his family after the loss. Jorge, who had been a major figure throughout his son’s career and also served as his agent, died on Friday.
Condolences for the family poured in from all over the world, one of which included, the Argentine Football Association’s (AFA) condolence where he announced a series of tributes across Argentine football following the death of Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, at the age of 68. All matches across Argentina’s football divisions this weekend will begin with a minute of silence, while players, coaches and referees will wear black armbands as a mark of respect. The AFA has also ordered its flags at federation facilities to be flown at half-mast until August 14.
AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia also paid an emotional tribute to Jorge, highlighting the role he played not only in Lionel’s football career but also in shaping him as a person. “I want to recognise Jorge Messi not only for having brought the best player in the world into the world, but, above all, for having raised a person of values: humble, respectful and deeply committed to others,” Tapia wrote.
Tapia further praised Jorge for standing beside Lionel through difficult moments and accompanying him throughout his journey. “Jorge did everything right. He was there when he had to be, accompanied when he had to accompany and supported when it was most needed,” he said. He concluded by thanking Jorge for raising Lionel and said his legacy would remain “forever in the history of Argentine football” and in the hearts of his family.
