Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey on Saturday night time after the loss of life of his father, as his team-mates led tributes earlier than and in the course of the match.
Jorge Messi died on Saturday on the age of 68 following an extended sickness.
Jorge, who had additionally been the Argentina ahead’s agent since he was 14, handed away in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Miami paid tribute to Messi’s father with a minute’s silence earlier than kick-off, whereas gamers wore black armbands and Jorge’s identify was displayed on the large screens at Nu Stadium.
The membership added a black ribbon to their social media profile photos, and in an announcement stated: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and your entire Messi household.”
Messi’s Argentina team-mate Rodrigo de Paul celebrated scoring the opening objective of the 2-1 defeat by taking off his shirt to disclose Messi’s.
Followers held up handmade indicators providing their assist to Messi and paying tribute to his father.
Miami striker Luis Suarez, who missed the match by means of suspension, wrote on Instagram that Jorge will proceed to look at over his son “with satisfaction, as he all the time did”.
Messi’s former membership Barcelona noticed a second of silence earlier than their 1-0 pleasant win towards Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy.
In 2000, Jorge accompanied his 13-year-old son to Catalonia and performed a key function in persuading the membership to signal him.
Barcelona thanked Jorge “for his dedication to our membership, for entrusting us with the beginnings and probably the most superb years of his son Leo’s soccer profession”.
Followers left flags and flowers exterior Messi’s childhood dwelling in Rosario, whereas Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate each held intervals of silence earlier than their matches.
The Argentine Soccer Affiliation stated it “deeply mourns with disappointment and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi”.
It added: “From right here, we stand in solidarity with your entire household throughout this tough time and ship probably the most heartfelt, heat and affectionate embrace.”
Paris St-Germain, for whom Messi performed between 2021 and 2023 after leaving Barcelona, stated: “The membership sends its full assist to Leo, his household and family members on this painful ordeal. Could he relaxation in peace.”