Parents of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, Jorge Messi (left) and Celia Cuccittini, watch a MLS match between Inter Miami and New York City FC at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nov. 29, 2025. (AFP-Yonhap) Lionel Messi was absent from Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.Jorge reportedly died Friday night in Rosario after a prolonged illness. He played a major role in his son's career from an early age and later served as his agent.Inter Miami observed a minute of silence before Saturday's match at Miami Stadium, where Jorge's name appeared on the stadium screens.Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul paid tribute after giving Miami the lead in the 32nd minute. He removed his shirt during the celebration to reveal a No. 10 Messi jersey underneath.Luis Suarez, who was suspended for the match, also offered his condolences on social media, writing that Jorge would continue watching over his son with pride.Jorge's health had previously drawn public attention during the World Cup, when the Messi family said he was receiving medical care and showing improvement despite his condition.Newell's Old Boys, Messi's boyhood club in Rosario, issued a statement mourning Jorge and highlighting the central role he and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, played in supporting their son's rise from youth soccer to the highest levels of the sport.The club offered condolences to Celia, Lionel Messi and the rest of the family.(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)