How did Rodrigo De Paul honor Lionel Messi’s father with Inter Miami?
The Argentine midfielder and La Pulga’s close friend paid an emotional tribute following the death of Jorge Messi.
The 2026 Leagues Cup delivered a particularly emotional moment during the match between Inter Miami and Monterrey, part of the second round of the Phase One stage. Lionel Messi was not in attendance following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, and his teammates found a special way to show their support.
De Paul dedicates his goal to Lionel Messi
The tribute was led by Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s closest teammates dating back to their time together with the Argentina national team. In the 32nd minute, the midfielder scored for Inter Miami and, during his celebration, held up Messi’s No. 10 jersey as a tribute to his friend following the death of Jorge Messi.
The Argentine received a yellow card for taking off his shirt, but the moment quickly became one of the most emotional images of the matchday.
Casemiro joins the tribute
Casemiro, De Paul’s Inter Miami teammate, also joined the celebration. The Brazilian pointed toward the tribute to Messi, showing his support for the Argentine during a difficult time.
Despite the result, Inter Miami fell 2-1 to Monterrey, the match delivered a message of solidarity for Messi and his family. For De Paul, the tribute also reflected the bond he has built with Messi over the years with the Argentina national team, where both played key roles in the squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
