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Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs. Monterrey in the Leagues Cup?
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- Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight for Inter Miami vs. Monterrey in the Leagues Cup?
Inter Miami hosts Monterrey for their second Leagues Cup match this summer at Nu Stadium on Saturday night, August 8. Inter Miami started their 2026 Leagues Cup campaign with a win over Atletico San Luis.
Inter Miami were trailing 1-0 at first, but another impressive performance from their star player, Lionel Messi , led to the Herons' first home win in the competition.
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Messi scored two goals and provided an assist against the Liga MX side this past Wednesday. Messi played the full game against Atletico San Luis.
However, Messi is unavailable and is not listed in the starting lineup or on the bench for the Inter Miami vs. Monterrey game on Saturday.
The reason being that Messi's father, Jorge Messi, died on Friday after a prolonged battle with an undisclosed chronic illness. He was 68 years old.
Lionel Messi Back in Argentina: Reports
Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the Leagues Cup Phase One match between Inter Miami CF and Atletico San Luis at Nu Stadium.Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Messi is reportedly on his way to his hometown in Argentina to be with his family. Reports in South America suggest that Messi traveled to Rosario, Argentina, and left Miami earlier Saturday.
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Todo Noticias and Ciudad Magazine report that Messi boarded a private flight from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to Rosario, Argentina at 11:20 a.m. ET.
Many in the football world have paid their respects and offered condolences to Messi and his family following the passing of his father. FC Barcelona published a statement to express condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi.
FC Barcelona had a minute of silence in memory of Jorge Messi before their preseason game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Inter Miami is expected to pay its respects to Jorge Messi before the match against Monterrey.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
