Inter Miami CF defender Facundo Mura said the entire team has been affected by the passing of Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, and the team sent a message of support to the club captain.
Jorge Messi died Saturday at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario. He was 68.
"We are deeply affected by what happened. We are standing with Leo from afar during this difficult time. We understand what he is going through and want him to know we support him and are by his side," Mura said on Tuesday.
"As individuals, as you just mentioned, and certainly as colleagues, a team, and a club, I think We are sorry about what happened. And well, whenever he feels ready to return, we will be here to continue supporting him in everything that lies ahead."
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos added the news has been "a source of great pain" inside the club locker room as the team navigates this difficult moment.
"Regarding Leo, we know what happened, and it is a huge shame, a source of great pain, and we have really felt that impact," Hoyos said. "It has been very hard. Often, there are no words for it. When you go through such a difficult experience, it is hard to recover, yet it is something we all face. In a way, we never truly learn from it because the pain is so intense."
Inter Miami honored Jorge Messi by holding a moment of silence ahead of kickoff at Miami's Nu Stadium, with Jorge Messi's name shown on screens inside the stadium. Miami players were also wearing black armbands.
In the 10th minute, the same number Messi has worn on his jersey, fans chanted and unveiled flags in support of the Miami captain, including one that read "Fuerza [stay strong] Leo."
Messi arrived by plane Saturday night in Rosario, where reports in Argentina said he attended a private memorial service.
Hoyos did not specify when Messi would rejoin Inter Miami.
Inter Miami prepares to face Club León on Wednesday in the final group stage match of the 2026 Leagues Cup tournament.