Lionel Messi was absent as Inter Miami suffered a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday, following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Inter Miami’s captain, Lionel Messi, missed the club’s latest Leagues Cup fixture after travelling to Argentina following the death of his father.
Jorge Messi died at the age of 68. Before kick-off, players and officials observed a minute of silence in his honour.
Inter Miami also expressed its condolences to Messi and his family, saying the club stood with its captain during the difficult period.
Despite Messi’s absence, Inter Miami started strongly and took the lead in the 32nd minute through Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
De Paul later paid tribute to Messi by removing his number seven shirt to reveal a number 10 underneath, in a gesture of support for his teammate.
Monterrey responded immediately after the interval, with Belgian forward Hugo Cuypers scoring in the 47th minute to bring the Mexican side level.
The visitors completed the comeback in the closing stages when Uruguayan striker Diego Rossi found the net in the 90th minute to give Monterrey a 2-1 victory.
The result was a setback for Inter Miami after the Major League Soccer champions began their Leagues Cup campaign with an impressive 4-2 win over Atletico San Luis.
Inter Miami will now turn their attention to their next group-stage fixture against Leon on Wednesday.
Messi’s Absence
Messi’s absence was the major talking point surrounding the match, with the Argentine forward away from the team following his father’s death.
The club and its players showed their support for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as he dealt with the loss of his father.
Whether Messi returns for Inter Miami’s next fixture will depend on his availability following the family bereavement.