Lionel Messi Absent from Inter Miami Match Following Father's Death

Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on Saturday night due to the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness in Rosario, Argentina.

Before the match, Inter Miami honored Jorge with a minute of silence, and players wore black armbands. His name was displayed on the big screens at Nu Stadium. Messi's teammates, including Rodrigo de Paul, paid tribute during the game, with de Paul revealing Messi's shirt after scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 defeat.

Fans showed their support for Messi by holding up handmade signs, while Miami striker Luis Suarez expressed his condolences on social media. Jorge Messi was instrumental in his son's career, having accompanied him to Barcelona in 2000. Various football clubs, including Barcelona and Paris St-Germain, also expressed their condolences following Jorge's passing.