Rodrigo de Paul honours Lionel Messi and family after scoring in Leagues Cup

After scoring the opening goal for Inter Miami against Monterrey in a Leagues Cup match on Thursday, Rodrigo De Paul paid tribute to his national team captain and friend, Lionel Messi. The football star removed his jersey to reveal that he was wearing Messi's No 10 shirt beneath it, as he celebrated his own goal. Messi was absent from the game, as he had lost his father Jorge the day prior.

The Argentinian news outlets reported on Jorge's death at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina. Tributes poured in from Messi's former clubs, Newell’s Old Boys and Club Atletico Rosario Central, recognizing Jorge's pivotal role in his son's career. Jorge had coached Messi during his early years and supported him through a growth hormone deficiency as a child.

He even travelled with the 13-year-old Lionel to Barcelona, where the young player joined the club's prestigious youth system. Barcelona subsequently covered the costs for Messi's medical treatment, and just three years later, he made his senior debut for the Catalan giants. Jorge went on to become his son's representative, steering him towards becoming one of the greatest players of all time.

In the 90th minute of Saturday night's match, Diego Rossi scored the decisive goal as Monterrey edged out Inter Miami 2-1.