Rodrigo De Paul created an emotional moment by taking off his shirt to reveal Lionel Messi’s No. 10 after scoring for Inter Miami, although his team eventually suffered a 2-1 comeback defeat against Monterrey.
The Leagues Cup match between Inter Miami and Monterrey in the early hours of August 9 had special meaning, as it was played only one day after Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, passed away at the age of 68. Before kick-off, players from both teams gathered in the middle of the pitch for a minute of silence in memory of Jorge Messi. There was an emotional atmosphere inside the stadium, while Messi missed the game after returning to Rosario, Argentina, for his father’s funeral.
The most memorable moment came early in the match. After receiving a pass from Casemiro, Rodrigo De Paul fired a shot from outside the penalty area to give Inter Miami the lead. Immediately after scoring, the Argentine midfielder took off his shirt and revealed a Messi No. 10 shirt underneath.
De Paul’s celebration quickly touched fans both inside the stadium and on social media. Many supporters saw it as a heartfelt tribute from one of Messi’s closest friends with Argentina and Inter Miami to his family during a difficult time.
De Paul’s celebration received a warm response from supporters in the stadium.
De Paul and Messi have shared a special relationship for many years. They played important roles in helping Argentina win the 2021 Copa America, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America. De Paul has also said several times that Messi has been one of the biggest inspirations in his career.
The death of Jorge Messi has left a huge loss for the 39-year-old superstar and his family. Jorge was not only Messi’s father but also an important person throughout the early years of his football journey, from Newell’s Old Boys to Barcelona. He worked hard to find treatment for his son’s growth hormone problem and helped him move to Spain when he was only 13 years old.
With Messi unable to play, De Paul’s goal and emotional celebration became a powerful symbol of friendship, support and respect for the man who played such an important role in Messi’s journey to becoming one of football’s greatest legends.
