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Rodrigo De Paul delivered an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, during Inter Miami's 2–1 Leagues Cup loss to Mexican club Monterrey on Saturday.
Jorge Messi passed away at 68 shortly before the match, prompting Lionel Messi to depart from the squad and travel back to Argentina to be with his family.
De Paul broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with an impressive long-range effort into the bottom corner. He then lifted his jersey to reveal a Messi No. 10 shirt underneath, dedicating the goal to Lionel's late father.
The Argentine midfielder also clutched the back of his shirt and gestured toward Messi's name as his teammates surrounded him, creating a deeply moving moment of unity.
Rodrigo De Paul strikes from distance for the opener and honors his friend Leo Messi and his family ❤️ pic.twitter.com/96GEG7XpMh
Despite going ahead, Miami couldn't maintain their advantage, conceding twice in the second half to suffer a 2–1 defeat. Hugo Cuypers leveled the score before Diego Rossi netted a dramatic late winner for Monterrey.
Miami had kicked off their Leagues Cup campaign with a 4–2 win over San Luis, leaving them with three points and sitting 11th in the standings.
Tributes to Jorge Messi Pour In
De Paul was not alone in honoring Jorge Messi after his passing, as tributes flowed in from Inter Miami, Messi's former clubs, and organizations throughout Argentina.
Inter Miami observed a minute's silence before kickoff, with both teams wearing black armbands in Jorge's memory. His name was also displayed on the stadium's video screens.
The club subsequently released a statement offering its support to its captain, which read: "Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family."
FC Barcelona also paid their respects ahead of their 1–0 friendly win over Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy, holding a moment of silence in Jorge's honor.
Jorge played a pivotal role in his son's path to Barcelona. In 2000, he accompanied 13-year-old Lionel to Catalonia and helped persuade the club to sign the young Argentine. Barcelona later 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."
Paris Saint-Germain, another former club of Messi's, also sent a message of condolence, while Real Madrid joined in the tributes despite their longstanding rivalry with Barcelona.
"Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Leo," read Madrid's statement. "Our club wishes to express its condolences to Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace."
Our deepest condolences. May Jorge Messi rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/PPSTTjHki1
Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club where Messi first began his footballing journey, also honored Jorge with a heartfelt tribute, describing his death as a moment of "deep sorrow and grief."
The club's message read: "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.
"His constant presence and behind-the-scenes guidance were essential in supporting every step of Lionel's journey, from his early days at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.
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"Thank you for teaching him to love these colors [of Newell's Old Boys]. The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment."
The response from Argentina was equally moving. Supporters left flowers and flags outside Messi's childhood home in Rosario, while Boca Juniors and River Plate both held moments of silence before their respective fixtures.
The Argentine Football Association also offered its condolences, stating it "deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi."