Jorge Messi
Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash with Monterrey on Saturday following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68.
Jorge, who had battled a long illness, died in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. He had also served as Messi’s agent from the time the Argentine star was just 14 years old and played a significant role in his son’s football career.
Inter Miami honoured Jorge before their 2-1 defeat to Monterrey with a minute’s silence, while the players wore black armbands. His name was also displayed on the stadium’s big screens, and the club changed its social media profile images to include a black ribbon.
“Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family,” the club said in a statement.
Messi’s Argentina team-mate Rodrigo De Paul also paid tribute in an emotional celebration after scoring Miami’s opening goal. He removed his shirt to reveal a Messi shirt underneath.
Support for Messi was also visible among the supporters, with fans displaying handmade messages honouring Jorge and expressing their condolences to the Argentine forward.
Messi’s close friend and former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez, who was suspended for the match, paid tribute to Jorge on social media, saying he would continue watching over his son “with pride, as he always did”.
Barcelona also honoured Jorge before their friendly victory over Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy, observing a minute’s silence.
Jorge played an important role in taking his teenage son to Barcelona in 2000, when Messi was 13, helping facilitate the move that would ultimately launch one of football’s greatest careers.
Barcelona expressed gratitude to Jorge for trusting the club with the early development of his son and for his commitment throughout Messi’s historic career.
Tributes have also emerged across Argentina, with fans leaving flowers and flags outside Messi’s childhood home in Rosario. Boca Juniors and River Plate both observed moments of silence before their respective matches.
The Argentine Football Association described Jorge’s death as a profound loss and extended its condolences to Messi and his entire family.
Paris Saint-Germain, where Messi played from 2021 to 2023, also sent its support to the former player and his loved ones during the difficult period.