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De Paul scores, wears Messi shirt in tribute
Rodrigo De Paul scored Inter Miami's opener against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup and then revealed Lionel Messi's No. 10 jersey as an emotional tribute. Messi missed the match after his father…
The Story in Brief
Rodrigo De Paul scored Inter Miami's opener against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup and then revealed Lionel Messi's No. 10 jersey as an emotional tribute. Messi missed the match after his father Jorge died in Rosario at age 68. De Paul's 32nd-minute goal was his first thought for his absent teammate but Miami lost 1-2 after Hugo Cuypers equalised and Diego Rossi scored a 90th-minute winner. Both teams observed a minute's silence before kick-off and Inter Miami players wore black armbands.
De Paul received a yellow card for removing his shirt but later said the gesture was for Messi and his family. Jorge Messi was central to his son's career from childhood trials at Barcelona. Messi remained in Argentina for private memorial services. Miami now need results in their final group game against Leon to advance.
The Indian Opinion
Some narratives frame De Paul's tribute as overshadowing a defeat that leaves Miami's knockout hopes shaky. Others exaggerate the team's dependence on Messi, ignoring that even without him they scored first. The real test is whether Miami can generate consistent attacking threat without their star. Will missing Messi expose deeper flaws, or can De Paul and others step up regularly? The result against Leon will give the first answer.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
