FORT LAUDERDALE — Inter Miami fell 2-1 to LIGA MX powerhouse Monterrey in Leagues Cup play Saturday night, a defeat that followed an emotional pregame tribute to Jorge Messi, the father of star forward Lionel Messi, who died earlier in the day at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
Midfielder Rodrigo De Paul struck a long-range shot in the 32nd minute to give Miami the lead, then removed his jersey to reveal a Messi kit underneath, pointing to the No. 10 on his back. De Paul and the rest of the Miami squad wore black armbands in honor of Jorge Messi throughout the match.
De Paul, who won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and reached the 2026 World Cup final this summer alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is a longtime friend of Messi. The two reunited at Inter Miami in July of last year when the club acquired De Paul from LaLiga side Atlético Madrid.
Monterrey rallied after De Paul’s opener on goals from two MLS alums: former Chicago Fire FC striker Hugo Cuypers and ex-LAFC and Columbus Crew standout Diego Rossi, sealing the 2-1 comeback.
The loss leaves Miami facing an uphill climb to reach the Leagues Cup knockout stage despite a convincing 4-2 midweek victory over Atlético San Luis in their tournament opener. Only the top four teams per league table advance to the quarterfinals.