Messi Misses Match After Father's Passing at 68

Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup defeat to Monterrey on Saturday night due to the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a long illness in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge Messi had been Lionel's agent since he was 14 years old.

Inter Miami honored Jorge with a minute's silence before the match, players wore black armbands, and his name was displayed on big screens at Nu Stadium. The club expressed their condolences, stating, “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.” Teammate Rodrigo de Paul celebrated scoring by revealing a shirt with Messi's name.

Fans showed support through handmade signs. Jorge Messi's influence was acknowledged by Barcelona, who observed a moment of silence during their friendly match against Nottingham Forest.

The Argentine Football Association and Paris St-Germain also expressed their condolences, highlighting Jorge's significant role in Lionel's career.