Lionel Messi stayed home in Argentina after his father’s passing, missing Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup group game, while teammate Rodrigo De Paul celebrated a goal by revealing Messi’s No. 10 shirt.

Key Takeaways

  • Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s match following his father’s death.
  • Rodrigo De Paul unveiled Messi’s No. 10 jersey after scoring.
  • Inter Miami fell 1‑2 to Monterrey despite the emotional gesture.

Match Overview

Inter Miami opened scoring in the 32nd minute when Rodrigo De Paul struck from outside the box. Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers equalised in the 47th minute, and Uruguay forward Diego Rossi sealed Monterrey’s comeback with a 90th‑minute winner.

De Paul’s Tribute

After finding the net, De Paul removed his shirt to reveal an under‑layer bearing Messi’s iconic number 10. The gesture earned him a yellow card but sent a powerful message of solidarity to the absent captain.

Historical Background

Messi helped Inter Miami lift the 2023 Leagues Cup and reached the final last year. His father, Jorge Messi, a pivotal figure in his career, died at 68 after a long illness, prompting the Argentine star to remain in Rosario with his family.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that emotional gestures can boost team cohesion, yet the loss of a marquee player like Messi also has tactical and commercial repercussions.

"A team’s true character is revealed when it rallies around a grieving teammate," noted a football analyst.
Did You Know?: Messi has scored over 700 official career goals, placing him among the most prolific scorers in football history.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When will Messi return to the lineup? No official date has been announced; he is expected to rejoin after family obligations are fulfilled.
  • What are Inter Miami’s chances in the group? The team will face León in their final group match, needing points to stay alive for the knockout stage.