Rodrigo De Paul paid a heartfelt tribute to Lionel Messi’s late father, Jorge Messi, during Inter Miami’s 2–1 Leagues Cup defeat to Mexican side Monterrey on Saturday. Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 shortly before the game, with Lionel Messi leaving the squad to return to Argentina and be with his family following the news.

Lionel Messi misses Inter Miami's Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey on Saturday night after the death of his father.

Lionel Messi returned to Argentina to be with family after the death of his father. De Paul scored for Inter Miami, celebrated with Messi jersey.

Inter Miami paid tribute to Lionel Messi’s father before — and during — its match Saturday, with Messi away from the team after Jorge Messi died Friday night in Rosario, Argentina following an illness. He was 68 years old.

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Lionel Messi has added another extraordinary chapter to his career, reaching a landmark that puts him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in one of the most remarkable statistical races soccer has ever seen.

Lionel Messi may now be 39, but he still remains one of the most impressive players in world football. He helped carry his Argentina side to the 2026 World Cup final in North America this summer, where they lost 1-0 to Spain.