The footballing world has been paying tribute to Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, following his death at the age of 68.
Jorge died on Saturday following a long illness, passing away in hospital in Messi’s hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Lionel missed Inter Miami’s League Cup defeat against Monterrey as footballers and clubs paid tribute to the 68-year-old.
Players wore black armbands during the game, and Miami held a minute’s silence before kick-off, with Jorge’s name being displayed at the Nu Stadium.
Inter Miami released a statement, reading: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”
His Argentine teammate Rodrigo de Paul celebrated his goal in the match by taking off his shirt to reveal Messi’s.
Fans also paid tribute, with one group of supporters holding a sign reading: “We smile with you. We cry with you. You’ll never walk alone, Leo.”
His club teammate and former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez wrote on Instagram that Jorge will look over him “with pride, as he always did”.
Rodrigo de Paul paid tribute to Messi’s father by taking off his shirt to reveal his teammates
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Barcelona, where Messi made his name, held a minute’s silence before their friendly against Nottingham Forest.
The club thanked Jorge “for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career”.
The Argentine Football Association said it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi”.
It continued: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
Lionel Messi missed his club’s game as he returned to Argentina
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Messi’s former club PSG said: “The club sends its full support to Leo, his family and loved ones in this painful ordeal. May he rest in peace.”
Real Madrid, Messi’s former rivals, wrote: “Our Royal club wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to Lionel Messi, his family and all his loved ones.”
Lionel spent time with his father after the World Cup in North America before rejoining his club side.
Jorge Messi passed away on August 7 at the age of 68
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The 39-year-old had an incredibly close relationship with his dad, who also served as his agent.
Lionel previously said: “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played.”
The former Barcelona great arrived in Rosario on a private flight to bid farewell to his father, according to a source close to the footballer’s family.
