Messi absent as Inter Miami fall 2-1 in Leagues Cup after death of father

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s 2-1 Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey at Nu Stadium on Saturday after the death of his father, Jorge. His team-mates led tributes before and during the match.

Jorge Messi had acted as his son’s agent since Lionel was 14 and, in 2000, accompanied his 13-year-old son to Catalonia, playing a key role in persuading Barcelona to sign him. Barcelona observed a moment of silence before their 1-0 friendly win against Nottingham Forest in Udine and issued a statement thanking 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".

Inter Miami marked the loss with a minute’s silence before kick-off, players wore black armbands and Jorge’s name was shown on the big screens at Nu Stadium; the club also added a black ribbon to their social media profile pictures. In a statement the club said: "Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family." Fans in the stadium held up handmade signs offering support to Messi and paying tribute to his father.

Rodrigo de Paul scored the opening goal for Miami and celebrated by removing his shirt to reveal Messi’s name underneath. The match finished as a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey. Luis Suarez, who missed the game through suspension, wrote on Instagram that Jorge will continue to watch over his son "with pride, as he always did".

Support and remembrance extended across Argentina and Europe: fans left flags and flowers outside Messi’s childhood home in Rosario, while Boca Juniors and River Plate held periods of silence before their matches. A minute of silence was held before Boca Juniors' 1-1 draw with Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires.

The Argentine Football Association said it "deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi" and added: "From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace." Paris St-Germain issued a message saying: "The club sends its full support to Leo, his family and loved ones in this painful ordeal. May he rest in peace."

Lionel Messi travelled to Argentina following the death of his father. Jorge Messi died on Saturday at the age of 68 following a long illness, passing away in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.