Inter Miami Pays Tribute to Jorge Messi as Football World Honors Father

Jorge Messi's death has prompted tributes from across football, with Barcelona, the Argentine Football Association and several of Lionel Messi's former clubs among those offering condolences to the Argentina captain and his family.

Messi's former club Barcelona marked the passing before their friendly against Nottingham Forest in Udine. A minute's silence was held before the game, while the club acknowledged Jorge's involvement in the formative years of his son's career.

Barcelona thanked Jorge “for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo's football career”.

Jorge Messi, who was 68, died in Rosario after a long illness. He had been an important figure throughout Lionel's rise in football and became his son's agent when Lionel was 14. His role continued as Messi established himself at Barcelona, with Argentina and later Inter Miami.

The Argentine football community also paid its respects. Supporters gathered outside Messi's childhood home in Rosario, leaving flowers and flags, while Boca Juniors and River Plate observed periods of silence. The Argentine Football Association said it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi”.

Messi did not feature for Inter Miami in Saturday's 2-1 Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey. The club used the occasion to honour his father, with Jorge's name shown on the stadium screens and black armbands worn by the players.

Inter Miami tributes Messi's Father also extended beyond the match itself. The club placed a black ribbon on its social media profile pictures and issued a message of support for its captain: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”

A personal tribute came from Rodrigo de Paul during the match. After scoring Miami's goal, the Argentina midfielder removed his shirt to reveal one carrying Messi's name, while supporters in the stands displayed messages for the family.

Luis Suarez, who missed the match through suspension, also addressed the loss on Instagram. The former Barcelona forward wrote that Jorge would continue to watch over his son “with pride, as he always did”.

Paris Saint-Germain also offered its “full support” to Messi and his family, adding to the international response following Jorge's death.

The Inter Miami pays tribute to Jorge Messi response came as Messi stepped away from football following the loss of his father.