Messi Misses Match After Father's Death

Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on Saturday night, a game that ended in a 2‑1 defeat for the Gators. The Argentine superstar had been scheduled to start but withdrew after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away earlier that week. The loss came in the group stage of the tournament, with Monterrey securing the win on a late goal.

Inter Miami’s coach, Robert Suarez, noted that the team was still grieving and that Messi’s absence was felt both on and off the pitch. The club released a statement expressing condolences to the Messi family and acknowledging the player’s decision to prioritize his personal circumstances. The Leagues Cup will continue without Messi, who had been a key figure in the club’s recent campaign, while Inter Miami looks to regroup for their next fixtures.