Rodrigo De Paul delivered a powerful tribute to his close friend Lionel Messi on a day marked by deep personal loss for the soccer icon.
Saturday brought sorrow to Lionel Messi and those close to him as his father, Jorge Messi, passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge had been battling an illness, a struggle that was evident during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when fans witnessed an unusually emotional Messi on the field.
Due to this heartbreaking situation, Messi was absent from Inter Miami‘s Leagues Cup group stage match against Monterrey, choosing instead to be with his family in Argentina during their time of mourning. Despite Messi’s absence, the support and solidarity from his teammates were clearly on display.
De Paul’s heartfelt gesture on the pitch
In the match against Monterrey, Rodrigo De Paul stepped up to carry a message of friendship and respect. Scoring the opening goal with a stunning shot from outside the penalty area, De Paul celebrated by removing his jersey to reveal a No. 10 Lionel Messi jersey underneath. This poignant act underscored the close bond between the two Argentinians and highlighted De Paul’s dedication to honoring Messi during such a difficult moment.