Inter Miami will take on Monterrey in a crucial Leagues Cup clash at Nu Stadium on Saturday, August 8, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. ET.
Guillermo Hoyos’ side is coming off a 4-2 win over San Jose in the previous round. Meanwhile, Monterrey enters the game under pressure after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Orlando City in its opening match.
A loss here would leave the Mexican club facing a difficult path to the next round.
Is Lionel Messi Playing Tonight After His Father’s Passing?
Lionel Messi will not feature for Inter Miami against Monterrey following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, late Friday evening, August 7.
Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness. He had been receiving treatment for a health condition in recent months.
Reports indicate that Messi is returning to Rosario to be with his family following his father’s passing.
Jorge's impact had played a major role in Lionel’s life and career, serving as his agent and accompanying him during the early stages of his move to Europe and his development at Barcelona.
Inter Miami will therefore have to face Monterrey without its captain and biggest attacking threat.
(Photo by Joan Cros/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Herons will also be without veteran striker Luis Suárez, who is serving a long ban over misconduct during last season's Leagues Cup.
That leaves the team without two of its most important attacking players and increases the responsibility on the rest of the squad, including midfielders Casemiro and Rodrigo De Paul.
What Happened to Lionel Messi’s Father?
Jorge Messi had been dealing with a prolonged illness. The Messi family had previously confirmed that he was receiving treatment for a health condition, although specific details about his medical condition were kept private.
The Argentine Football Association, Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona and Real Madrid were among many that expressed their condolences to the Messi family.
The AFA also announced that a minute of silence would be observed and black armbands would be worn during matches across Argentine football in his honor.
