Lionel Messi misses Inter Miami match due to father’s death as tributes pour in

Jorge Messi, who was a hugely influential figure during his son’s early career and also worked as his agent, is reported to have died in Rosario on Friday night after battling long-term illness.

Inter Miami held a minute’s silence before kick-off in their 2-1 defeat in the Leagues Cup group stage on Saturday night, while Jorge’s name was displayed on the screens at Nu Stadium.

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A poignant tribute came from Messi’s fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul, who opened the scoring for Miami in the 32nd minute and took off his shirt to reveal a number 10 Messi jersey underneath.

Miami took the lead going into half-time, before Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers equalised.

Diego Rossi then struck in the 90th minute to seal the win for Monterrey.

Ahead of the match, Inter Miami said in a statement: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”

Messi’s team-mates also wore black armbands in tribute to Jorge.

The suspended Luis Suarez shared on Instagram that Messi’s father would be watching over his son “with pride”.

The Messi family previously released a statement during the World Cup to say that Jorge Messi had been “under medical monitoring, recovering and evolving favourably within the condition he presents”.

Announcing Jorge’s death on Saturday, a Newell’s Old Boys statement read: “Jorge was the support and the person who underpinned with vision, rigour and affection the career of the best player of all time together with his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

“His constant accompaniment and leadership behind the scenes were fundamental to support Lionel’s every step, from his beginnings in Malvinas to the maximum glory of world football.

“Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.

“The board of directors, members, athletes and the entire leproso family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol and all their loved ones and relatives in this difficult time.”