Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on Saturday, following the passing of his father Jorge Messi on the same day. His teammates had offered their tributes before and during the game.
Jorge Messi, who had been Lionel’s agent since the age of 14, passed away at the age of 68 after a long illness. He had died in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Miami paid tribute to Jorge Messi with a minute’s silence before kickoff, while the players wore black armbands and the name of Jorge was displayed on the big screens at Nu Stadium. The club also added a black ribbon to its social media profiles, stating: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”
Rodrigo de Paul, Messi’s Argentina teammate, celebrated scoring the opening goal of the 2-1 defeat by removing his shirt to reveal the jersey of the late Jorge Messi.
Supporters held up handmade signs, showing their support for Messi and paying tribute to his father.
Miami striker Luis Suarez, who missed the match due to suspension, posted on Instagram that Jorge will continue to watch over his son “with pride, as he always did.”
Barcelona, Messi’s former club, observed a moment of silence before their 1-0 friendly victory over Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy.
Jorge accompanied his 13-year-old son to Catalonia in 2000 and played a pivotal role in convincing the club to sign him.
Barcelona thanked Jorge “for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.”
Fans left flags and flowers outside Messi’s childhood home in Rosario, while Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate both held periods of silence before their matches.
The Argentine Football Association expressed its “deepest condolences” for the passing of Jorge Messi, father of the captain and emblem Lionel Messi. The association stated: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
Paris Saint-Germain, the club where Messi played between 2021 and 2023, released a statement saying: “The club sends its full support to Leo, his family and loved ones in this painful ordeal. May he rest in peace.”
