Inter Miami and teammates of Lionel Messi paid tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, who died Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, following an illness. Jorge Messi was 68.
Before and during Inter Miami's match on Saturday, tributes were held for Jorge Messi. The MLS squad displayed his name on the videoboard and observed a moment of silence pregame. Fans held signs with messages such as “fuerza Leo,” meaning “stay strong Leo.”
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami teammates wore black armbands during the game. Rodrigo De Paul, a teammate on both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, honored Jorge Messi by revealing a No. 10 Messi jersey under his own after scoring a goal in the 32nd minute of the team's Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey.
Monterrey coach Matías Almeyda began his post-match news conference with a statement regarding Messi's father. Inter Miami and teammate Luis Suárez shared statements earlier on Saturday.
“Friend, I hug you and your family strongly,” Suárez wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Jorge Messi's health had been a storyline during the World Cup, with Messi's family confirming at the time that his father was recovering favorably from his issues.
Jorge Messi was described as an influential figure in his son's career and also served as his agent. Messi's childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, released a statement mourning the loss. The club described Jorge Messi as a supporter, businessman, and the father of Lionel Messi, noting his and his wife Celia's crucial support in strengthening Lionel's career with vision, rigor, and affection. The club stated his constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental to every step of Lionel’s journey.