Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s match against Monterrey following the death of his father, as the team suffered a 2-1 defeat to the visiting Mexican side in a Leagues Cup match.
Both teams held a minute of silence before the game in memory of Jorge Messi, who died at age 68 in Argentina. Messi, the Inter Miami captain, traveled to Argentina on Saturday night.
“Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family,” Inter Miami said in a statement.
Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul put Miami ahead in the 32nd minute, giving the team a 1-0 lead at halftime against Monterrey.
After scoring, De Paul removed his No. 7 jersey to reveal a No. 10 shirt underneath as a tribute to Messi.
Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers equalized in the 47th minute before Uruguayan forward Diego Rossi scored the winning goal in the 90th minute.
Miami, the reigning Major League Soccer champions, opened their group campaign with a 4-2 win over Atletico San Luis. They will next face Leon on Wednesday.
