Inter Miami pay tribute to Lionel Messi’s father in Monterrey defeat

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s 2-1 Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey on Saturday following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, with tributes held for him before and during the match.

Jorge Messi, who was 68, died after a long illness at a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. He had served as his son’s agent since Lionel was 14 and played a major role in his football career.

Inter Miami held a minute’s silence before kick-off, while players wore black armbands and Jorge’s name was displayed on the stadium’s big screens.

The club also added a black ribbon to its social media profile pictures and said: "Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family."

Rodrigo de Paul, Messi’s Argentina team-mate, paid tribute after scoring Miami’s opening goal by removing his shirt to reveal a Messi shirt underneath. Supporters also held handmade signs expressing their sympathy.

Miami striker Luis Suarez, who was suspended for the match, wrote on Instagram that Jorge would continue to watch over his son "with pride, as he always did".

Barcelona, Messi’s former club, observed a minute’s silence before their friendly victory over Nottingham Forest in Udine.

The Spanish club thanked Jorge "for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo's football career".

Fans also left flowers and flags outside Messi’s childhood home in Rosario, while Boca Juniors and River Plate held periods of silence.

The Argentine Football Association expressed its condolences, saying it "deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi".

Paris St-Germain also offered its "full support" to Messi and his family.