Rodrigo De Paul scored a goal and paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the death of Jorge Messi

The absence of Lionel Messi in the match between Inter Miami and Rayados de Monterrey for the Leagues Cup was marked by various tributes to the Argentine captain, who traveled to Rosario after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi.

Without the Rosario native on the team, Rodrigo De Paul took on the responsibility of wearing the captain's armband and quickly became one of the protagonists of the match. The Argentine midfielder scored with a powerful shot from outside the box to make it 1-0 against the Mexican team.

De Paul’s celebration dedicated to Messi

After scoring the goal, De Paul had a celebration full of meaning. The player took off his Inter Miami jersey and showed that underneath he was wearing a Lionel Messi jersey.

The gesture was interpreted as a show of support for his teammate from the Argentine National Team, with whom he has a close relationship both on and off the field.

De Paul, who was recently added to the American team, was indeed one of the players who took on a larger role in Messi's absence. In addition to wearing the captain's armband, he responded with a goal in a match overshadowed by the family situation the Argentine star is experiencing.

Inter Miami's tribute to Jorge Messi

The recognition for Messi was also present before and during the match. Inter Miami fans expressed their support for the Argentine forward after the news of Jorge Messi's death.

Before the start of the match, a minute of silence was held in memory of the footballer's father, in a gesture shared by players, coaching staff, and fans.

Additionally, during the 10th minute of the match, the fans present in the stadium unfurled a banner with a message of support directed at Messi.