Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami's Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 following a long illness. Jorge, who had been Messi's agent since he was 14, passed away in Rosario, Argentina. Inter Miami honored Jorge with a minute's silence before kick-off, while players wore black armbands and his name was displayed on the big screens at DRV PNK Stadium. The club added a black ribbon to their social media profile pictures and released a statement expressing their support for Messi and his family.

Rodrigo de Paul, Messi's Argentina teammate, paid tribute by revealing a shirt underneath his own after scoring in the match. Fans held up signs supporting Messi and honoring his father. Luis Suarez, who missed the match through suspension, wrote on Instagram that Jorge will continue to watch over his son with pride.

Barcelona, Messi's former club, observed a moment of silence before their friendly against Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy. Jorge played a key role in persuading Barcelona to sign a young Messi in 2000. The Argentine Football Association and Paris Saint-Germain also paid their respects, with fans leaving flowers and flags outside Messi's childhood home in Rosario.