Lionel Messi Out of Inter Miami vs. Monterrey Following Jorge Messi Death

Lionel Messi will miss the Leagues Cup fixture against Monterrey following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, in Rosario at age 68.

Lionel Messi was omitted from the Inter Miami matchday roster for Saturday’s Leagues Cup fixture against Monterrey at Nu Stadium following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge passed away Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68. In the absence of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, fellow Argentine international Rodrigo De Paul will serve as captain for the MLS side. The club confirmed a minute of silence will be observed prior to kickoff, and all players will compete wearing black armbands to honor the memory of the Inter Miami captain's father.

Messi enters this period of mourning shortly after recording two goals and one assist in a 4-2 victory over Atlético de San Luis on Wednesday during Miami’s opening match of the 2026 Leagues Cup tournament. While the captain is sidelined, teammate Luis Suárez is also unavailable for the Monterrey clash due to a suspension. Suárez offered support via Instagram, stating, "Your dad, from above, will continue to watch you with pride like he did always," and extended his love to the Messi family during these difficult moments.

Family Legacy and Professional Impact

Jorge Messi is survived by four children: Lionel, his older brothers Rodrigo and Matías, and his younger sister María Sol. Throughout his life, Jorge acted as a fundamental pillar in his third son’s professional trajectory, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs. He was the primary figure who traveled to Barcelona with a young Lionel in the early 2000s for the trial at La Masia, the club's youth academy, which eventually led to Messi’s professional debut in 2005.

In a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata, Lionel Messi recalled the emotional challenges of their early years in Spain. He described how they both pretended to be fine while privately crying in their rooms. During those times, Jorge offered his son the choice to return to Argentina or stay in Barcelona; Lionel chose to stay, and his father remained by his side to support that ambition.

International Success Amid Personal Hardship

Before his recent absence, the Inter Miami captain led Argentina to the World Cup final while his father was navigating an illness. During the tournament, Messi displayed visible emotion, weeping after scoring the first of his three goals in a match against Algeria. He later clarified that his tears were for a reason unrelated to the sporting competition itself.

Inter Miami released a statement expressing that their hearts are with their captain and the entire Messi family. The 2022 World Cup winner has spent his entire career under the guidance of Jorge, who managed the complexities of his transition from a youth prospect to a global icon. As the team prepares to face the Mexican club Monterrey, the organization remains focused on supporting the family through this loss in Rosario. Information from The Associated Press contributed to these details regarding the passing of the 68-year-old patriarch.