Inter Miami players and staff have come together to support their captain, Lionel Messi, after the heartbreaking passing of his father, Jorge, at the age of 68 in Argentina. The club expressed its condolences following the loss, showing unity during this challenging time for their star player.
The team held an emotional tribute during their recent Leagues Cup match, allowing players and staff to pay their respects while Messi returned to Rosario for the funeral. Jorge Messi died on Saturday in a hospital in the central city, and his death has had a profound impact on the entire Major League Soccer franchise.
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos shared the sentiments in the locker room, acknowledging the deep sorrow felt by the squad. “It is a huge shame, a source of great pain, and we have really felt that impact,” explained Hoyos. He further remarked on the difficulty of dealing with such loss, stating, “When you go through such a difficult experience, it is hard to recover; yet it is something we all face. In a way, we never truly learn from it because the pain is so intense.”
To honor Jorge Messi, the club organized a moment of silence before kickoff at Miami’s Nu Stadium, with his name displayed on the stadium screens. Additionally, the players donned black armbands as a sign of respect. Supporters joined in the tribute, waving flags and chanting for the absent captain, showcasing solidarity with a banner reading “Fuerza Leo”—Spanish for “stay strong, Leo.”
While the loss weighs heavily on the team, there remains uncertainty about when Messi will resume playing. Hoyos indicated that the club would prioritize Messi’s needs during this grieving period, allowing him the necessary time to mourn the loss of his father. As Inter Miami shifts its focus back to the pitch, they are gearing up for their next challenge against Club Leon in a group stage match of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
