3 weeks ago
Inter Miami Pay Tribute to Messi Following Father Jorge's Death
Lionel Messi is one of the most famous soccer players in the world.
His dad, Jorge Messi, was also his agent, the person who helps players with their careers.
Jorge died when he was 68 years old in a city in Argentina called Rosario.
Messi was so sad that he did not play in his team's next big game.
His team, Inter Miami, played anyway and lost 2-1 to Monterrey.
Before the game, the players and fans were quiet for one minute, and Jorge's name was shown on the big screens to remember him.
Players wore black armbands, and fans cheered for Messi, holding up a sign that said 'Fuerza Leo,' which means 'Stay strong, Leo.'
One player, Rodrigo De Paul, scored a goal and then showed a Messi No.
10 shirt underneath his own jersey to honor him.
Jorge had helped Messi become a great player, including helping him move from Argentina to Barcelona when he was young.
Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, died aged 68 in Rosario, Argentina, on a Friday; his family confirmed the death the following day.
Lionel Messi was absent as Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Monterrey in a Leagues Cup match at Nu Stadium, where his father was honored before kick-off.
A minute's silence was held, Jorge's name appeared on the stadium screens, and Inter Miami players wore black armbands.
In the 10th minute, fans chanted Messi's name and waved flags, with one banner reading 'Fuerza Leo,' meaning 'Stay strong, Leo.'
Rodrigo De Paul scored in the 32nd minute and revealed a Messi No. 10 jersey under his shirt, but Hugo Cuypers and Diego Rossi scored for Monterrey to win 2-1.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, whose father and agent Jorge Messi died, along with Inter Miami, its players and fans, and teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who paid tribute
- What
- Inter Miami honored absent captain Lionel Messi with a minute's silence, black armbands and fan displays, then lost 2-1 to Monterrey in a Leagues Cup match
- Where
- Jorge Messi died in Rosario, Argentina; the match was played at Nu Stadium in Miami
- When
- Jorge Messi died on a Friday and his family confirmed it the following day; the match took place on Saturday, when Messi arrived in Argentina that night
- Why
- To honor Jorge Messi, who guided Lionel's sporting and professional life and was key to his move from Argentina to Barcelona
Key facts
- Deceased
- Jorge Messi, aged 68
- Relationship
- Father and agent of Lionel Messi
- Place of death
- Rosario, Argentina
- Match
- Inter Miami vs Monterrey (Leagues Cup group match)
- Venue
- Nu Stadium
- Result
- Monterrey won 2-1
- Goal scorers
- Rodrigo De Paul (32'), Hugo Cuypers (47'), Diego Rossi (90')
- Next match
- Inter Miami face Leon on Wednesday
Quotes
Inter Miami
Club statement
“Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”
deccanchronicle.com











