MIAMI — Inter Miami honored their missing captain, Lionel Messi, during Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, following the news of his father’s passing earlier that day.
Jorge Messi, age 68, passed away in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, on Saturday.
Messi traveled to Rosario on Saturday night, where reports indicate he will partake in a private memorial service. His return to Miami remains uncertain.
Prior to kickoff, a moment of silence was observed at Miami’s Nu Stadium, with Jorge Messi’s name displayed on screens around the venue. Inter Miami players wore black armbands in tribute.
During the 10th minute—symbolic of the number Messi wears—fans rallied with chants and banners in support of their captain, showcasing one that read “Fuerza [stay strong] Leo.”
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, who served as captain in Messi’s absence, celebrated his goal in the 32nd minute by revealing a Messi No. 10 jersey underneath his shirt.
However, a late goal from Monterrey’s Diego Rossi, following an equalizer by Hugo Cuypers, secured the victory for Monterrey, complicating Miami’s chance of advancing in the Leagues Cup.
Much of the day’s focus, however, was on Messi’s personal loss.
“Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family,” Inter Miami expressed in a statement acknowledging the tragedy.
Messi’s close friend and former teammate Luis Suárez, suspended for the game, also conveyed his support ahead of kickoff.
“My friend, I embrace you and your family tightly,” Suárez posted on Instagram. “Your dad will continue to watch you with pride from above, just as he always did. Sending all my love to the Messi family during these tough times. Rest in peace, Jorge.”
Inter Miami canceled its postgame media availability, but Monterrey’s coach Matías Almeyda, a former Argentine international, opened his press conference with condolences for Messi’s family.
“I want to start by extending my sympathies to Messi’s family for their loss; the immense pain they must be feeling weighs heavy,” he stated.
Although Monterrey’s win kept them in the running for the competition, Almeyda emphasized that he did not consider the absence of Messi during the match.
“I would be a terrible person if I allowed that thought to enter my mind. It didn’t cross my mind then, either, because pain is universal. I don’t know Messi personally, but I empathize with the sorrow, similar to when a best friend loses a parent,” he reflected.
Messi had previously featured in Miami’s initial Leagues Cup match of the 2026 tournament, scoring two goals and providing an assist in a 4-2 win over Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday.
Recently, Messi led Argentina to the World Cup final while grappling with his father’s health challenges. He expressed emotions during a World Cup match against Algeria, revealing he cried for “reasons unrelated to sports.”
Jorge Messi was pivotal in shaping his son’s career, acting as his agent and overseeing his business dealings. He accompanied a young Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s for a trial that led to his entry into La Masia, the esteemed youth academy.
Messi made his professional debut in 2005 and has since won eight Ballon d’Or accolades, leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory.
“My dad was always there for me,” Lionel Messi recounted in a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata. “There were times when I would lock myself in my room to cry upon arriving in Barcelona, or my dad would do the same, though I tried not to notice. We both pretended to be fine, but we weren’t. He would ask me if I wanted to stay or go back, and I always wanted to stay, so he stayed with me.”
This report includes information from The Associated Press.