Rodrigo De Paul Honors Messi With Goal Tribute
De Paul scores, dedicates goal to Messi. Emotional tribute goes viral.

Rodrigo De Paul scored a superb long-range strike for Inter Miami against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday, but it was his celebration that caught the attention of fans worldwide.
De Paul's goal came just hours after the death of Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, who passed away aged 68 in Rosario, Argentina. In a touching gesture, De Paul dedicated his goal to Messi and his family by removing his Inter Miami shirt to reveal a Messi No. 10 jersey underneath.
The Argentine midfielder has a close bond with Messi, having played alongside him for Argentina and at Inter Miami. They were part of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning side and also reached the 2026 World Cup final together. De Paul was among those who supported Messi during difficult moments surrounding his father's health.
Jorge Messi was a hugely influential figure in Lionel Messi's life and career, serving as his agent and playing a key role in his journey from Argentina to Barcelona and eventually to the top of world football. His death has sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with many players and teams paying tribute to him.
Inter Miami's players also wore black armbands in honour of Jorge Messi during the match against Monterrey. Despite De Paul's emotional opener, Inter Miami could not hold on to their advantage as Monterrey fought back to secure a 2-1 victory.
The result leaves Inter Miami facing an uphill battle in the Leagues Cup, but De Paul's celebration provided a powerful reminder of the friendship and solidarity surrounding Messi during one of the most difficult periods of his life. The gesture has gone viral, with fans around the world praising De Paul's emotional tribute to his close friend and teammate.
De Paul's actions are a testament to the strong bond between him and Messi, and the football community has come together to support the Argentina icon during this difficult time. As the news of Jorge Messi's death continues to sink in, the outpouring of tributes and condolences is a reminder of the impact he had on the lives of those around him.
In the end, De Paul's goal may not have been enough to secure a win for Inter Miami, but his celebration will be remembered for a long time as a heartfelt tribute to his friend and teammate, Lionel Messi.
The football world will continue to rally around Messi during this difficult period, and De Paul's gesture is a shining example of the solidarity and support that exists within the sport. As the days go by, the tributes to Jorge Messi will continue to pour in, and De Paul's emotional celebration will be remembered as one of the most poignant and powerful tributes of all.
The loss of Jorge Messi is a devastating blow to the football community, but the outpouring of support and tributes is a testament to the impact he had on the lives of those around him. As the football world continues to mourn his passing, De Paul's gesture will be remembered as a heartfelt tribute to a man who played a huge role in shaping the career of one of the sport's greatest players.
In conclusion, Rodrigo De Paul's emotional tribute to Lionel Messi is a reminder of the strong bonds that exist within the football community. The gesture has gone viral, and fans around the world have praised De Paul's heartfelt tribute to his close friend and teammate. As the football world continues to mourn the passing of Jorge Messi, De Paul's celebration will be remembered as a powerful reminder of the solidarity and support that exists within the sport.
The significance of De Paul's tribute extends beyond the football pitch, as it highlights the importance of friendship and solidarity in times of need. The gesture has brought the football community together, and it will be remembered for a long time as a heartfelt tribute to a man who played a huge role in shaping the career of one of the sport's greatest players.
As the days go by, the tributes to Jorge Messi will continue to pour in, and De Paul's emotional celebration will be remembered as one of the most poignant and powerful tributes of all. The football world will continue to rally around Messi during this difficult period, and De Paul's gesture is a shining example of the solidarity and support that exists within the sport.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the match between Inter Miami and Monterrey?
Monterrey won 2-1.
Why did De Paul dedicate his goal to Messi?
De Paul dedicated his goal to Messi because Messi's father, Jorge Messi, had passed away earlier that day.