Before the match at Nu stadium, Inter Miami held a minute of silence for Jorge Horacio Messi. His name, along with the years "1958-2026", appeared on the stadium's large screen. Players stood in a line on the field, while spectators remained silent to honor the father of the home team's captain.

Fans hold a banner in memory of Jorge Messi, father of Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who recently passed away, during the first half of a Leagues Cup match in Miami, USA on 8/8. *Photo: AP*

Inter Miami fans also sent messages to Messi. In the 10th minute, supporters held up a banner reading "Fuerza Leo" (Stay strong, Leo). Applause and encouragement were given to the 39-year-old forward, who was in Rosario with his family.

"Our hearts go out to captain Leo and the entire Messi family," Inter Miami wrote on social media before the match.

Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 on 8/8 in Rosario, Argentina, after a period of illness. Messi immediately left the USA for his hometown to be with his family, meaning he was absent when Inter Miami hosted Monterrey in the second match of the Leagues Cup 2026.

Without Messi, Luis Suarez, and German Berterame, Inter Miami faced difficulties creating opportunities. However, Rodrigo De Paul stepped up in the 32nd minute. The Argentine midfielder, wearing the captain's armband in Messi's absence, scored the opening goal with a low shot from outside the penalty area.

Immediately after the ball hit the net, De Paul removed his jersey. Underneath, he wore Messi's number 10 shirt. The 32-year-old midfielder turned his back to the stands, pulling up the shirt for everyone to clearly see the captain's name and number.

Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul (left) celebrates a goal with teammate Lionel Messi's number 10 shirt, who was absent due to his father's passing, during the first half of an Inter Miami match against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup in Miami, USA on 8/8. *Photo: AP*

De Paul and Messi share a close relationship from their time with the Argentina national team. Both won the World Cup 2022 and continued to play together at Inter Miami. De Paul joined the US club in summer 2025, quickly becoming a close teammate of Messi.

De Paul's celebration also echoed Messi's past tribute to Diego Maradona. After the Argentine legend passed away in 2020, Messi scored for Barca against Osasuna, then removed his jersey to reveal a Newell's Old Boys club shirt with Maradona's number 10 underneath.

In addition to De Paul, Luis Suarez also sent his condolences to Messi. The Uruguayan forward wrote on Instagram: "My friend, I hug you and your entire family tightly. Your father will continue to watch over you from above and be proud of you, as he always was. All my love goes out to the Messi family at this time. Rest in peace, Jorge."

Suarez did not play against Monterrey due to a suspension, but he still supported his close friend during this difficult time. The relationship between Suarez and Messi formed during their years together at Barca, becoming close both on and off the field.

Jorge Messi's passing also received condolences from many football organizations. Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, stated that the league was "deeply saddened" by the news, also noting Jorge's dedication to his family.

Jorge Messi played a significant role in his son's career journey. He accompanied Messi from his early days in Rosario, then moved with his son to Spain when Messi joined Barca's youth academy. For many years, Jorge also served as Messi's agent.

Compiled by Hoang An