Inter Miami paid tribute to Lionel Messi‘s father, Jorge, in a message posted to the club’s official X account Saturday afternoon. “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family,” the club wrote, accompanying the message with a black graphic bearing the club crest.
The post came after Inter Miami had remained largely silent on social media for much of Saturday following news of Jorge Messi’s passing, with the club also adding a black ribbon to its crest across its social profiles as a mark of mourning.
Jorge’s connection to Inter Miami ran deeper than being Lionel’s father — he played a central role in the nearly three-year negotiation that brought Messi to the club in 2023, according to owner Jorge Mas, even personally informing Barcelona president Joan Laporta of Lionel’s decision to leave for Miami.
As expected, Messi will not be part of Inter Miami’s squad for Saturday’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, having traveled to Argentina to be with his family during this difficult time.
The tributes have extended well beyond Inter Miami, with messages of support pouring in from Argentina’s national team, Barcelona, Real Madrid, CONMEBOL and Newell’s Old Boys, among others, as the soccer world mourns alongside the Messi family.
see also
The role Jorge Messi played behind the scenes in Lionel’s historic career
When could Messi return?
Messi’s return to the pitch remains uncertain, with three upcoming matches floated as possible comeback points. Wednesday’s Leagues Cup clash with Club Leon on August 12 appears unlikely given the short turnaround, while Saturday’s MLS match against Nashville SC on August 15 is a more realistic possibility.
The August 19 meeting with Philadelphia Union, however, is widely seen as the most likely option, giving Messi more time with his family before returning to full training and competition.
