Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos said the passing of Jorge Messi’, Lionel’s father, has been a source of great pain for the club. Jorge Messi died on Saturday at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario. He was 68.

“Regarding Leo, we know what happened, and it is a huge shame, a source of great pain, and we have really felt that impact,” Hoyos said. “It has been very hard. Often, there are no words for it. When you go through such a difficult experience, it is hard to recover, yet it is something we all face. In a way, we never truly learn from it because the pain is so intense.”

The club honored Jorge Messi by holding a moment of silence before their match against Monterrey, which the Herons lost by 2-1. The players also wore black armbands to pay tribute to Messi’s father.

Furthermore, defender Facundo Mura revealed the whole squad is in grief after Jorge’s passing and they will support their captain to the hilt during his difficult time.

“We are deeply affected by what happened. We are standing with Leo from afar during this difficult time. We understand what he is going through and want him to know we support him and are by his side,” Mura said on Tuesday.

“As individuals, as you just mentioned, and certainly as colleagues, a team, and a club, I think We are sorry about what happened. And well, whenever he feels ready to return, we will be here to continue supporting him in everything that lies ahead.”

Inter Miami will face Club León on Wednesday in the final group stage match of the 2026 Leagues Cup tournament.