Messi misses Inter Miami match after father's death
Lionel Messi's father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, has died in his native Rosario, prompting the footballer to sit out Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey. Teammates and rival clubs paid tribute with moments of silence and a symbolic gesture.
Jorge Messi, father and long-time agent of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, has died at a hospital in Rosario, the family's home city before their move to Spain. Beyond being Lionel's father, Jorge had represented him as an agent since his teenage years — it was Jorge who, in 2000, brought his then 13-year-old son to Barcelona and convinced the Catalan club to sign the small but exceptionally talented Argentine, who would go on to become one of the greatest footballers in history.
Tributes before kickoff
News of Jorge Messi's passing drew reactions across the football world. Moments of silence were held before matches involving Inter Miami, Barcelona ahead of their friendly against Nottingham Forest, and Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate.
Lionel Messi himself did not take part in the match. Without him, Inter Miami lost 1:2 to Mexican club Monterrey in the Leagues Cup. The team's only goal was scored by Rodrigo De Paul, who, celebrating his strike, lifted his shirt to reveal a Messi jersey underneath — a gesture of support for his friend and his family during a difficult time.
News of the loss in the Messi family spread quickly on social media, where MLS also shared footage of De Paul's tribute.
