WATCH: Rodrigo De Paul dedicates Monterrey goal to Lionel Messi after family tragedy

Rodrigo De Paul paid an emotional tribute to his Argentina and Inter Miami teammate Lionel Messi after scoring an opener in the League Cup clash against Monterrey on August 9, Sunday (As per IST). After scoring the opening goal, the star midfielder lifted his shirt to display Messi's famous No. 10 jersey underneath. The tribute came at a tough time as Messi's father Jorge passed away in Rosario, Argentina at the age of 68.

Inter Miami entered the Group A clash without Messi, who had travelled back to Argentina to support his family after the loss of his father. De Paul stood up to the occasion and managed to drop a memorable moment, producing a stunning finish before dedicating the goal to his longtime friend and teammate.

De Paul's emotional tribute to Lionel Messi

De Paul broke the deadlock in a great fashion, beating the goalkeeper with a strong low effort from distance that found the back of the net. Instead of an usual celebration, the Argentina midfielder stormed towards the corner and removed his jersey, revealing Messi's No.10 jersey underneath. The gesture was pre-planned, with the 32-year-old ready to honour his close friend if he managed to get on the scoresheet.

Here is the video:

The celebration truly showcases the close bond Messi and De Paul have built over the years, both on and off the pitch. The Argentine duo played together during the historic FIFA World Cup triumph in 2022.

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Big loss for Lionel Messi

There is not doubt that it is a big loss for Messi, as Jorge was not only his father but had a big influence in his football career. Jorge travelled with Messi to Barcelona for a trial that changed everything for him and opened the doors to La Masia. Later on, Jorge turned Messi's agent and oversaw every big thing of his business related path.

During the FIFA World Cup 2026, several reports claimed that Jorge was going through illness. Notably, Lionel Messi dropped one of the best individual world cup campaigns ever, while facing a big battle off-field.