Messi to miss Monterrey tie after father Jorge passes away

Lionel Messi will not be part of Inter Miami's squad for Saturday's Leagues Cup meeting with Monterrey after the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The club confirmed the news in a short, sombre statement on Friday, leaving supporters and teammates stunned. It is a loss that transcends football, and for a player who has given the sport so much, the priority now is family.

A father's influence

Jorge Messi was more than a parent to Lionel; he was the architect of a footballing fairytale. From the dusty streets of Rosario, Argentina, Jorge recognised his son's extraordinary talent and did everything in his power to nurture it. He was instrumental in Lionel's move to Barcelona's La Masia academy, a decision that would change the course of football history. Through the years, Jorge remained a trusted advisor and a constant presence at Lionel's side, celebrating the highs and offering support during the lows. His passing represents an indescribable blow to the Messi family and to a player who has always put family first.

The Monterrey test

Inter Miami now face the difficult task of refocusing for a serious fixture. Monterrey, one of Mexico's most successful clubs with five CONCACAF Champions League titles to their name, arrived in Florida with high ambitions in the Leagues Cup. This competition, which blends clubs from Major League Soccer and Liga MX, has generated real excitement across North America. Since his arrival in Major League Soccer, Messi has been the driving force behind Miami's revival, turning the team into a global attraction. For Miami, the match was already a significant challenge; without Messi, it becomes an even steeper climb. Head coach Gerardo Martino must adjust his plans on short notice, likely turning to his experienced core of Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba to shoulder the creative burden. But football tactics feel secondary when a team is grieving.

What it means

In moments like these, the scoreline hardly matters. The players who cross the white line will carry the collective sadness of a squad that understands Messi's pain. Suárez and Busquets, in particular, have shared a lifetime of moments with Lionel, both at Barcelona and now in Miami. Their performance on Saturday will be for their absent captain. Still, no result can ease the ache of losing a parent. For Inter Miami, the immediate concern is giving Messi the space and time he needs, while somehow competing in a tournament they are desperate to win. This is a stark reminder that behind every great player are the people who made the journey possible. As the football world sends its condolences, the focus shifts from trophies to humanity.