Rodrigo De Paul paid an emotional tribute to close friend and national team captain, Lionel Messi whose father Jorge Messi, passed away at 68 in Argentina on Saturday.

After scoring for Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup. De Paul rejoiced over his goal by taking off his Inter Miami shirt to reveal a Messi No.10 jersey pledging the moment to the Argentine superstar during a difficult time for his family.

De Paul scored against Monterrey and rapidly made his way towards the sideline before exhibiting the Messi shirt.

The heartfelt gesture came following the death of Jorge Messi who passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario after battling with prolonged illness.

Messi was not part of Inter Miami’s match against Monterrey as he was with his family in Argentina after his father’s death. Jorge had been a central figure in Messi’s life and career and remains one of his closest friends from the initial days of his career.

De Paul and Messi share a sweet relationship that goes beyond football. Their connections deepened as the years passed during their years together with the Argentina national team with De Paul often underlines as one of Messi’s closest confidants.

He was also a crucial member of the Argentina side that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The two players have shared precious moments with Argentina, and their enduring friendship has continued after De Paul joined Inter Miami. Nonetheless, De Paul’s championing for Messi at a time when football was subordinate to family, was a sweet gesture that carried significant meaning.