Messi returns to Rosario after father Jorge's death; De Paul captains Inter Miami tribute

Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario after his father, Jorge Messi, 68, died on Friday night following a prolonged illness, and Inter Miami paid tribute before their Leagues Cup clash with Monterrey.

Newell's Old Boys confirmed the news on Saturday and reports in Argentina said Jorge passed away at a clinic in Rosario where he had been receiving treatment. Messi stepped away from football to be with his family and Inter Miami acknowledged the loss on social media. Players wore black armbands and supporters observed a moment of silence prior to kick-off.

With Messi absent, Rodrigo De Paul wore the Inter Miami captain's armband and opened the scoring with a long-range strike. De Paul, who shares a close relationship with Messi through their national-team careers, removed his Inter Miami shirt to reveal another beneath bearing "Messi 10" and dedicated the goal to his teammate.

Despite De Paul's opener, Monterrey fought back and scored late to secure a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup match. Earlier in the day the club had posted: "Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family."

Jorge Messi had been closely involved in his son's career from the earliest stages, taking part in discussions surrounding Lionel's move from Argentina to Barcelona. He remained an important figure as Messi's career developed and was involved in negotiations during later stages, including moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

Messi had taken a short break from football after leading Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they finished runners-up to Spain. He returned to Inter Miami as a substitute against Columbus on August 1 and then produced two goals and an assist in a 4-2 Leagues Cup victory over Atletico San Luis.

Jorge's health had drawn attention during the 2026 World Cup after Messi became emotional during Argentina's win over Algeria; Messi later said his tears were related to something happening away from football and the family denied reports that Jorge had died, saying he was recovering. Messi has returned to Rosario to be with his family after the loss, and it is not yet known when he will return to Inter Miami.