Inter Miami paid tribute to Lionel Messi’s father before — and during — its match Saturday, with Messi away from the team after Jorge Messi died Friday night in Rosario, Argentina following an illness.
He was 68 years old.
Inter Miami, the MLS squad that Messi has played for since 2023, showed Jorge’s name on the videoboard and held a moment of silence pregame, and fans crafted various signs supporting Messi — including a “fuerza Leo” one, which translates to “stay strong Leo.”
Rodrigo De Paul, who also played with Messi on the Argentina national team that won the World Cup four years ago and lost in the final last month, also honored his teammate’s father by revealing a No. 10 Messi jersey under his own while celebrating a goal.
De Paul, who scored in the 32nd minute of Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey, took off his jersey and pointed to the back of the Messi one.
Messi’s Inter Miami teammates also donned black armbands during the match.
Monterrey coach Matías Almeyda opened his news conference with a statement about Messi’s father, while Inter Miami and teammate Luis Suárez shared statements earlier Saturday when news of Jorge’s death broke.
“Friend, I hug you and your family strongly,” Suárez wrote on Instagram, according to ESPN. “Your dad, from above, will continue to watch you with pride like he did always. All my love in these difficult moments to the Messi Family. Rest in peace, Jorge.”
A cause of death wasn’t immediately known, but Jorge’s health situation emerged as a storyline during the World Cup when Messi’s family confirmed in a statement that his father was “recovering and progressing favorably” from his health issues.
Jorge, according to multiple reports, was an influential figure in Messi’s career and also served as his agent.
“Newell’s Old Boys mourn with profound pain and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi,” Messi’s childhood club said in a statement Saturday. “He was a renowned [Newell’s] supporter, businessman and the father of the captain of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi. Jorge was the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection.
“His constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental in supporting every step of Lionel’s journey.”
