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.
