Inter Miami paid tribute to absent captain Lionel Messi during Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey following the death of Jorge Messi at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina. While Messi traveled home for a private memorial service, fans and teammates honored his father with a moment of silence, black armbands, and heartfelt on-field gestures.
Inter Miami hosted Liga MX side Monterrey at Nu Stadium on August 8, 2026, under the shadow of a profound personal loss for their talismanic captain. Jorge Messi died earlier that Saturday in a hospital in the central Argentine city of Rosario at the age of 68, following an ongoing health situation that had brought heavy emotional strain to the family during the summer. Lionel Messi, who had been training with his club as recently as Friday, caught a flight home to Rosario on Saturday night.
Emotional Tributes at Nu Stadium in Miami
Before kickoff, Inter Miami players stepped onto the pitch wearing black armbands, and a solemn minute of silence was held for Jorge Messi as his name appeared on the stadium screens. In the 10th minute — matching the number Messi wears on his jersey — supporters unfurled flags and banners, including one reading Fuerza Leo, and chanted in solidarity with their absent leader.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, wearing the captain’s armband in Messi’s absence, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a strike from beyond the penalty box. De Paul immediately celebrated by pulling off his match jersey to reveal a No. 10 Messi kit underneath, paying direct tribute to his close friend and Argentina national teammate.
Global Condolences From Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona, and MLS
Condolences poured in across the football world throughout Saturday from the institutions that shaped both father and son’s careers. Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine club where Jorge once played in the youth ranks and where Lionel began his journey at Malvinas, issued a statement remembering the patriarch’s crucial behind-the-scenes role.
“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.”
Inter Miami CF mourns death of captain's father Jorge Messi
Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys
FC Barcelona also honored the elder Messi, whose early negotiations with club officials famously began on a tennis court napkin when Lionel needed growth hormone treatment. Barcelona observed their own moment of silence ahead of a preseason friendly against Nottingham Forest.
Major League Soccer leadership and former Miami mayor Francis Suarez likewise extended their sympathies.
“My deepest condolences to Leo Messi and the entire Messi family on the passing of his father, Jorge. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Jorge. He was a man of his word, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. Miami has embraced the [Messi] family as our own, and we mourn with them today. May Jorge rest in peace.”
Francis Suarez, former Miami mayor
Leagues Cup Result and What Lies Ahead for Inter Miami
On the pitch, Inter Miami failed to hold onto their first-half advantage against Monterrey. Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers leveled the score for the visitors in the 47th minute, and Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi secured a 2-1 victory with a 90th-minute winner.
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
