Inter Miami falls to Monterrey as Messi mourns father

Inter Miami fell 2-1 to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup group stage with Lionel Messi absent as he mourns his father, Jorge Messi. Rodrigo De Paul scored and briefly revealed a Messi No. 10 jersey in tribute to his friend, a gesture that earned a yellow card. The match saw a late Monterrey rally capped by Diego Rossi after Hugo Cuypers had equalized for Inter Miami, with pre-match tributes and a moment of silence acknowledging Jorge Messi’s passing. Messi’s absence prompted widespread tributes, including messages from Rafael Nadal and clubs such as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, reflecting his father’s influence on his career. Inter Miami and Argentina’s national team continued to honor Jorge Messi in the days surrounding the Leagues Cup clash. The overall context highlighted the emotional backdrop to the game and the bond between Messi and his teammates during a difficult period.