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Rodrigo De Paul honours grieving Messi with long-range strike against Monterrey
09th August, 2026 10:55 AM
Argentina and Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul paid a tribute to his absent captain and close ally Lionel Messi on Saturday, August 8, 2026, during a League Cup loss to Monterrey, following the death of Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, at the age of 68.
During the match that Miami lost 2-1 to the Mexican side, De Paul scored a brilliant 32nd-minute long-range goal and celebrated by removing his jersey to reveal Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt. The emotional tribute honoured Messi and his family following the passing of his father, Jorge.
Jorge Messi died in Rosario after reportedly battling illness, with Argentine media outlets reporting the news on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Tributes quickly followed from several football organisations and clubs, including Newell’s Old Boys, who expressed their sympathy to Lionel Messi and his family.
Newell’s Old Boys pay tribute
Newell’s Old Boys, the club supported by the Messi family, also issued an emotional tribute to Jorge.
The Argentine side announced: “Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell, with deep sorrow and regret, to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario”.
The club described Jorge as “a well-known Newell’s fan, a businessman, and the father of the Argentina national team captain Lionel Andrés Messi”.
Newell’s highlighted the influence Jorge had on his son’s football journey, particularly during the formative years that eventually led Messi to become one of the sport’s greatest players.
The club said: “Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported, with vision, rigour and affection, Lionel’s career, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini”.
It added: “His constant presence and his leadership behind the scenes were essential elements in supporting every one of Lionel’s steps, from his beginnings at Malvinas until he reached the summit of glory in world football”.
The club also remembered the connection between Jorge and Newell’s, writing: “Thank you for teaching him to love these colours”.
The statement extended condolences to Jorge’s wife Celia Cuccittini, Lionel, his brothers Rodrigo and Matías, his sister María Sol, as well as the wider family and close friends.
Newell’s concluded its tribute with the words: “Goodbye forever, leproso”.
Jorge Messi’s influence on Lionel’s career
Jorge Messi’s importance to Lionel’s football career extended well beyond his role as a parent. He was one of his son’s most trusted supporters and was involved in managing aspects of Lionel’s professional affairs and representing him during significant negotiations.
Having been alongside Lionel since his childhood in Rosario, Jorge witnessed the youngster’s development from a promising talent into a global football icon.
His son’s career ultimately reached its greatest international achievement when Argentina won the 2022 World Cup.
Jorge had previously spoken about Lionel’s extraordinary footballing ability, while also acknowledging that during his son’s early years, he could not have predicted that Lionel would eventually reach such extraordinary heights.
At the time of the reports, the Messi family had not yet released an official statement confirming Jorge Messi’s death.
