Messi attends funeral for father Jorge; returns for Inter Miami after his death

Messi paid an emotional ⁠tribute to his father, Jorge, last week, saying he did not know ‌how to continue without him

The soccer star’s father, Jorge Messi, died on Aug. 8 in Rosario, Argentina

Coach Guillermo Hoyos says the Argentine star is expressing himself on the pitch, a place he knows to perfection.

Lionel Messi had shared an emotional tribute to his father last week, describing him as his father, friend and representative and saying he did not know how to continue without him.

The Argentine star returned to the pitch after raising doubts about his future in football, but couldn't save the Herons from elimination La entrada Lionel Messi returns to action with Inter Miami after father’s passing se publicó primero en Buenos Aires Herald.

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, passed away last week at the age of 68

Lionel Messi returned to play for Inter Miami days after his father's death, reflecting on grief and uncertainty about his football future in an emotional tribute.

Lionel Messi came off the bench for Inter Miami during their Leagues Cup meeting with Club Leon on Wednesday. Miami lost the match 3-2 and Messi was brought on after the first 45 minutes of action.

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, played his first game for Inter Miami since his father died on Wednesday night. Jorge Messi passed on at 68 years following a battle with illness. Messi was introduced as a 46th substitute for their Leagues Cup clash against Club Leon. The 38-year-old came on to a loud ovation from fans inside the […] Messi plays first football game after father’s death

Lionel Messi made a poignant return to Inter Miami for an important Leagues Cup clash, just days after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. Amidst emotions and uncertainties about his future in football, Messi stepped onto the field. Unfortunately, Inter Miami fell short, losing 3-2 to Club Leon, which dashed their hopes of continuing in the tournament.

The soccer star's father Jorge died at 68 on August 7 following a battle with illness that overshadowed the Argentina captain's mesmerizing World Cup campaign in the United States.

Lionel Messi made an emotional return to football for Inter Miami on Thursday, stepping onto the pitch for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The Argentine superstar came on as a second-half substitute during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Leon, receiving a warm reception from the crowd as fans applauded his return.Messi’s return came at a deeply emotional moment, with his future in football becoming a subject of speculation following his father’s death at the age of 68 in Rosario. Jorge was not only Messi’s father but also played a major role in his career and served as his representative for years. His passing has therefore left a profound personal and professional impact on the Argentina captain.INCROYABLE : Lionel Messi fait son entrée avec l'Inter Miami, même pas une semaine après le décès de son père. pic.twitter.com/ppC8YG5s6s— Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) August 13, 2026 Before returning to action, Messi paid an emotional tribute to his father on social media. He revealed how difficult it had been to imagine life without Jorge and admitted that he had serious doubts about continuing his football career for much longer. Messi also recalled how his father had encouraged him to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and how he had hoped Jorge would be able to watch him compete.Despite the emotional circumstances, Messi answered the call to return to the pitch. However, the comeback did not produce a winning result, as Inter Miami suffered a 2-3 defeat against Leon after conceding a late goal. The result was secondary to the significance of seeing Messi back in action following a difficult period for the football icon.Messi’s latest appearance does not necessarily settle questions about his long-term future. His own comments have fueled speculation that he could eventually consider stepping away from the game, but there has been no confirmation of an imminent retirement. For now, his return to action represents an emotional first step as he continues to deal with the loss of the person who stood beside him from the beginning of his extraordinary football journey.

Messi started the second half and received a loud ovation from fans at Miami's Nu Stadium. It was his first match since his father, Jorge, died Saturday at 68

Lionel Messi made his first on-pitch appearance since the death of his father.

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has died at the age of 68 (Credits: Cover Images) Lionel Messi revealed he is having doubts about continuing his career following the death of his father last week. Messi’s father, Jorge, died last week aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness. ‘I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to move forward. I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for much longer,’ Messi wrote in a tribute on Instagram. ‘You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end. Why couldn’t you hold on just a little longer so we could finish it together?’ Get the latest transfer news every morning Sign up to our daily football newsletter for personalised updates on who your team is trying to sign and who won't be around next season. Jorge closely accompanied his son Lionel throughout his career, beginning with his early years at Barcelona. He acted as a crucial pillar of support and, for several years, served as his representative. The 39-year-old Argentina captain revealed one of the reasons he played in the World Cup, where they finished runners-up to Spain after an extra-time loss in the final, was because it was his father’s wish. ‘You always asked me to play in the last World Cup and a few days before it started was when you got worse,’ Messi said. Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 (Getty) ‘It was the first time you weren’t going to be at a tournament… Every time a match ended, I would wait and hope for your message. That’s when I realised how real the situation was.’ During the World Cup, the Argentine captain experienced mixed emotions after scoring a hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria, breaking down in tears while celebrating his first goal. He later explained that his tears were due to ‘something unrelated to football’ after going through ‘a few difficult, complicated days.’ Messi said he wanted to win the final for his father but he had no energy left to bring home a second World Cup title. Lionel Messi with his father Jorge in 2021 (Shutterstock) Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini watched their son play for Inter Miami last year (AFP via Getty) ‘My legs couldn’t go on anymore. This time I tried to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never felt well… We weren’t champions, but you don’t know how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it,’ Messi added. Despite his grief, the Inter Miami forward pledged to honour his father’s memory through parenting his own children. ‘I’m going to miss you so much, but you will always be present, especially in the upbringing of my children, because I will teach them and raise them the way you raised me,’ he said. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

Lionel Messi has broken his silence following the death of his father Jorge, sharing an emotional tribute that reveals the depth of his grief. The Argentina captain reflected on their final World Cup dream, the messages he missed after every match and his uncertainty about continuing his career. Messi also remembered Jorge as his father, friend, agent and lifelong guide.

Lionel Messi suffered a terrible loss last week. His father, Jorge Messi, who was instrumental in the legendary footballer's career, died on Saturday at a hospital in the central Argentine city of Rosario

Argentina star and legendary footballer Lionel Messi shared an emotional message for his late father Jorge Messi, saying he is struggling to accept the loss and does not know how he will move forward without him. Messi shared the tribute on Instagram in his first public message following his father's death. He also said that he is not sure whether he will be able to continue his football journey without his father.Messi recalled how his father supported him from the beginning of his football career and was present for almost every important moment. He remembered Jorge taking him to training sessions after work and following his matches closely. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) The Argentina captain also spoke about his father's wish to see him play at one more World Cup. Messi said his father repeatedly asked him to play in the tournament and that his condition worsened just days before it began.Messi said he kept hoping Argentina would go deep into the tournament so his father could recover and travel to watch him play. He waited for his father's messages after every match, but eventually realised how serious his condition had become.The forward also recalled Argentina's run to the World Cup final. He wanted to win the trophy so that he could take it to his father and share the moment with him, but Argentina fell short in the final.Messi said his father was more than just a parent. He described Jorge as his father, friend and agent, someone who had been beside him throughout his career and who always gave him advice.He also spoke about the close relationship they shared, saying they spoke every day and met whenever his football commitments allowed.One of the most emotional parts of Messi's message came when he admitted that he is now uncertain about his future in football.“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on,” Messi wrote, adding that he has serious doubts about whether he will continue playing football for much longer.Messi also said he would carry his father's influence into the way he raises his own children, describing it as one of the ways Jorge would remain present in his life.Lionel Messi Mourns His Father As Emotional Funeral Images Go ViralHe ended the message with a tribute to his father, thanking him for everything and saying, "I love you, Dad."Jorge Messi was a key figure in Lionel's career and also served as his representative. Tributes and messages of support have poured in for the Argentina captain following his father's death.Jorge Messi (68) was laid to rest in a private family ceremony at El Prado Cemetery near Rosario on Sunday. Lionel Messi and his family attended the funeral with the family keeping the ceremony private. Fans left flowers and messages outside the cemetery as they paid tribute to Messi's father.

Lionel Messi has reportedly stepped away from football indefinitely following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, 68, died at a clinic in Rosario after a long illness. His death has left Messi focused on his family during this difficult time.According to Foot Mercato, citing reports from the Argentine media, Messi has paused his professional commitments. The Inter Miami star has not announced when he will return to football. His family is now his main priority as he deals with the loss.‼️NEW: Lionel Messi has decided to take some time off from professional football to be with his family and love ones during this difficult period. This time is INDEFINITELY, as we don’t know when he will return. (@okdobleamarilla) pic.twitter.com/ogJPLhJ2fC— Speedline (@speedlne) August 11, 2026 Jorge Messi played a major role in Lionel’s football career. He later became his son’s agent and adviser after working for years at a steel factory. He was also closely involved in Messi’s early days at Newell’s Old Boys.When Messi was 13, Jorge helped him move to Spain to join Barcelona’s youth academy. Barcelona also paid for Messi’s treatment for a growth hormone deficiency. The treatment involved daily injections and helped him reach a height of 1.70 metres.Heartwarming Scenes! Inter Miami Fans Rally Behind Messi After Father’s Death With Emotional Tribute | VIDEOJorge was married to Celia Cuccittini, and they had four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol. He remained an important figure in Messi’s life and career for many years. His passing is a deeply personal loss for the football legend and his family.

Jorge Messi, 68, died at a clinic in Rosario after a prolonged illness. He had been battling health issues this year and was unable to attend FIFA World Cup matches.

Lionel Messi and his family said goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, on Sunday morning at the private El Prado cemetery in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge, 68, died recently, with the funeral held in a private ceremony under tight security. Emotional images from the farewell have since gone viral.Messi arrived in Rosario late Saturday with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. They joined his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and siblings Matías, Rodrigo and María Sol. The cemetery was closed to visitors to give the family privacy.Lionel Messi couldn’t even cry while he bid farewell to his father Jorge Messi at a private funeral. https://t.co/1ail4bSbiK pic.twitter.com/J6Nbakf533— Arthur (@AjMachalaa) August 9, 2026 In the images, Messi is dressed in black and appears quiet and deeply emotional. With his head lowered and hands in his pockets, he is seen standing alone during the private farewell. His subdued reaction has touched fans around the world.Supporters also gathered near the airport and cemetery to show their support. One message left on the cemetery fence read, “Stay strong Leo, we love you.”Security was tightened around El Prado as the family gathered for the private farewell. Supporters nevertheless made their way to locations associated with Messi’s return to Rosario, including the airport and cemetery. Lionel Messi attended a private funeral for his father Jorge Messi, at El Prado cemetery in Rosario on Sunday, after his death at the age of 68. pic.twitter.com/jvSoRIbGfP— Arthur (@AjMachalaa) August 9, 2026 Heartwarming Scenes! Inter Miami Fans Rally Behind Messi After Father’s Death With Emotional Tribute | VIDEOJorge Messi’s legacy will forever be connected to Lionel’s extraordinary career. But beyond the football headlines, these unseen pictures tell a simpler story of a father and his son growing up together and sharing a dream. They are now cherished memories of a bond that remained part of Messi’s journey from a young boy in Rosario to a global icon.

ROSARIO, Argentina (AFP) -- Argentina football icon Lionel Messi bid farewell Sunday to his father Jorge, the global star's emotional anchor and agent since childhood who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner touched down on a private flight from Miami late on Saturday with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. A private ceremony with close family and a few Argentina teammates took place at a cemetery in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario, later Sunday. The gates of the town's El Prado cemetery displayed handwritten messages from fans -- "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and "Stay strong, Messi family" -- alongside a large floral wreath. Argentina's football star Lionel Messi (second left), his wife Antonela Roccuzzo (third right), and relatives, attend the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, at El Prado cemetery, on the outskirts of Rosario, Santa Fe province, Argentina, on August 9, 2026. Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's childhood club Newell's Old Boys announced on August 8, 2026. (Photo: AFP) Messi's teammates rallied around their captain following the announcement that Jorge Messi had passed away late Friday at a clinic in Rosario. "It will surely do him good for us to be there," Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes told journalists after his team's match on Saturday. "I need to speak with a few of my teammates to see if we go now or sometime tomorrow." According to media reports midfielder Rodrigo de Paul -- a close friend of Messi and his Inter Miami teammate -- travelled to Argentina. After scoring a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in Miami on Saturday, De Paul paid tribute by taking off his shirt to reveal Messi's number 10 jersey. There was a handful of fans outside the cemetery, including 15-year-old Lucas Blanco, who hung a sign reading "Stay strong, Messi" on the gate. "He has brought so much joy to this country, now it's our turn to give a little back and offer him some comfort," he said. "We drove 700 kilometres to be here. We wanted to stand by Leo during this time," said Carlos and Ana, a couple who travelled from Tres Arroyos, a town south of Buenos Aires. The cause of death was not disclosed, but local media reported that Jorge Messi had been suffering from cancer. His unusual absence from the World Cup in June had already attracted attention. Messi's family asked the media for "humanity" during the tournament amid persistent rumours over Jorge's health. After bursting into tears after scoring against Algeria, 39-year-old Messi had admitted to dealing with "a situation outside of sports". "I went through a few difficult, complicated days," he later acknowledged. "But I am grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates, because they stood by me, as always." Immediately after the World Cup final defeat against Spain, Messi returned to spend a few days with his family in Rosario. - Humble beginnings - A guiding figure throughout his son's career, Jorge Messi was his first coach who left everything behind to accompany his son to Spain. A metalworker in Rosario, 340 km north of Buenos Aires, Jorge managed youth teams at the small local club Grandoli. He was the one who introduced Argentina's future captain to the game aged four on vacant lots where local kids played. His life changed course in 2000 when Barcelona invited the young prodigy, then aged 13, to Catalonia to continue treatment for a growth hormone deficiency while playing for the club's youth teams. Jorge left behind his job in Argentina, his wife, and his three other children to settle in Spain with Lionel. "When we arrived in Barcelona, I used to lock myself in my room to cry alone, and my father did the same -- either without me seeing him or thinking I didn't see him. We pretended we were both fine, but we were struggling," Messi later said. His father was later the agent who negotiated contracts on his behalf, from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Messages of sympathy have poured in since Saturday from the football world, including from the clubs Messi played for and the Spanish Football Federation. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) ordered a minute's silence before matches and that black armbands be worn at games across all age groups for the week.

Inter Miami paid tribute to Lionel Messi’s father before — and during — its match Saturday.

Argentina football icon Lionel Messi bid farewell on Sunday to his father, the global star’s emotional anchor and agent since childhood, who passed away following a battle with cancer aged 68. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner touched down on a private flight from Miami late on Saturday with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children and has remained surrounded by his close family since. A private ceremony with a few teammates from the Argentine national squad is scheduled to take place at a cemetery in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario, later Sunday. The gates of the town’s El Prado cemetery displayed handwritten messages from fans — “Stay strong, Leo, we love you” and “Stay strong, Messi family” — alongside a large floral wreath. Messi’s teammates rallied around their captain following the announcement that Jorge Messi had passed away late on Friday at a clinic in Rosario. “It will surely do him good for us to be there,” Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes told journalists after his team’s match on Saturday. “I need to speak with a few of my teammates to see if we go now or sometime tomorrow.” According to some media outlets, midfielder Rodrigo de Paul — a close friend of Messi and his Inter Miami teammate — would travel to Argentina. After scoring a goal in a 2-1 defeat to Monterrey in Miami on Saturday, De Paul paid tribute to his friend by taking off his shirt to reveal Messi’s number 10 jersey. The cause of death was not disclosed, but local media reported that Jorge Messi had been suffering from cancer. His unusual absence from the World Cup in June had already attracted attention. Messi’s family asked the media for “humanity” during the tournament amid persistent rumours over Jorge’s health. After bursting into tears after scoring against Algeria, 39-year-old Messi had admitted to dealing with “a situation outside of sports”. “I went through a few difficult, complicated days,” he later acknowledged, “but I am grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates, because they stood by me, as always.” Immediately after the World Cup final defeat against Spain, Messi returned to spend a few days with his family in Rosario. Humble beginnings A guiding figure throughout his son’s career, Jorge Messi was his first coach, who left everything behind to accompany his son to Spain. A metalworker in Rosario, 340 km north of Buenos Aires, Jorge managed youth teams at the small local club Grandoli. He was the one who introduced Argentina’s future captain to the game aged four on vacant lots where local kids played. His life changed course in 2000 when Barcelona invited the young prodigy, then aged 13, to Catalonia to continue treatment for a growth hormone deficiency while playing for the club’s youth teams. Jorge left behind his job in Argentina, his wife, and his three other children to settle in Spain with Lionel. “When we arrived in Barcelona, I used to lock myself in my room to cry alone, and my father did the same — either without me seeing him or thinking I didn’t see him. We pretended we were both fine, but we were struggling,” Messi later said. His father was later the agent who negotiated astronomical contracts on his behalf, from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Messages of sympathy have poured in since Saturday from the football world, including from the clubs Messi played for and the Spanish Football Federation. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) ordered a minute of silence before matches and that black armbands be worn at games across all age groups for the week.

Football legend and Argentina star Lionel Messi and his family have left the cemetery after saying goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, in a private farewell ceremony. Videos have surfaced on social media showing Messi and his family leaving the cemetery after the burial.The Argentina captain arrived in the country with his family following the death of his father. After the ceremony, Messi and his family left the cemetery under heavy security. It was restricted to family and close friends with chances that his teammates from Argentina National Team attending the funeral.LA FAMILIA MESSI YA SE FUE DEL CEMENTERIOFinalizó la ceremonia de despedida de Jorge Messi, tras la cual Lionel y su familia abandonaron el predio en un fuerte operativo de seguridad. El avión privado en el que viajó el capitán argentino junto a su familia partió vacío rumbo a… pic.twitter.com/0oUXUzavIj— Clarín (@clarincom) August 9, 2026 What Happened?The farewell ceremony for Jorge Messi has now concluded. Lionel Messi and his family have left the cemetery, while the security operation around the family remained tight.The private plane that Messi and his family used to travel to Argentina has also reportedly departed for Miami. However, the plane left empty.LA LLEGADA DE MESSI AL CEMENTERIO PARA DESPEDIR A SU PADRE pic.twitter.com/HntKofNhbX— Vía País (@ViaBsAscomar) August 9, 2026 Heartwarming Scenes! Inter Miami Fans Rally Behind Messi After Father’s Death With Emotional Tribute | VIDEOWill Messi Return To Miami?For now, there is no confirmation about how long Messi will remain in Argentina.Jorge Messi died at the age of 68. The farewell ceremony was held at the El Prado private cemetery in Perez, near Rosario.For Messi fans around the world, the moment remains a deeply personal one as the football star spends time with his family following the loss of his father.Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 at a clinic/sanatorium in Rosario in Argentina after a prolonged illness in the early hours of Saturday, August 8, 2026 (around 2 a.m. local time).

Inter Miami paid tribute to their absent captain Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, who was also his son’s agent, died aged 68 in Rosario, Argentina, on Friday. His family confirmed his death the following day.Messi missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey at Nu Stadium. The team lost the match 2-1. Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was held and Jorge’s name was displayed on the stadium screens.This is so emotional Inter Miami and the entire stadium fell silent to mourn and show their support for Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. A heartbreaking moment as the fans, players and everyone inside the stadium stood together to console Messi… pic.twitter.com/UaGvetyGgh— Ghost Blogger (@GhostBlogger77) August 9, 2026 Inter Miami players also wore black armbands as a mark of respect. In the 10th minute, fans chanted Messi’s name and waved flags in his support. One banner read “Fuerza Leo”, meaning “Stay strong, Leo.”Rodrigo De Paul opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a superb long-range strike, leaving Monterrey goalkeeper Luis Cardenas helpless despite his diving attempt. However, it was his celebration that caught the attention of fans around the world. The Argentine midfielder removed his Inter Miami shirt to reveal a Messi No. 10 jersey underneath before pointing towards the iconic number.Unseen Photos Of Lionel Messi With Father Jorge Messi: A Look At Their Father-Son BondJorge was one of the most influential figures in Lionel Messi's path to becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time. He looked after both his son's sporting and professional life from an early age and was a key player in Lionel's transfer from Argentina to Barcelona, where the young forward eventually became the central figure in one of the club's most successful teams.

Jorge Messi, who was a hugely influential figure during his son’s career, died on Friday night after battling long-term illness

Jorge Messi, who was a hugely influential figure during his son’s career, died on Friday night after battling long-term illness

Teams observed a minute of silence before the match for Jorge Messi, who died at age 68 in Argentina, where the Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi arrived on Saturday night. The post Messi absent after father’s death as Miami lose in Leagues Cup appeared first on Vanguard News.

Lionel Messi arrived in Rosario on Saturday following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. The Inter Miami and Argentina star travelled from Miami to his hometown in Argentina to be with his family and bid farewell to his father during a private wake.Messi was seen arriving at Rosario's Islas Malvinas International Airport on Saturday, hours after Jorge's death was confirmed. Jorge died on Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario following a long illness, with his family confirming that he had spent his final months receiving medical care while surrounded by his wife Celia and children. View this post on Instagram Jorge played a hugely important role in Messi's extraordinary football journey. He supported his son from his early years and later served as his representative for several years. Messi has previously spoken about the importance of his father's opinion, revealing that he would regularly ask Jorge what he thought of his performances after matches.The football world has rallied around Messi and his family following the tragic news. Several clubs, including Barcelona and Newell's Old Boys, expressed their condolences, while the Argentine Football Association announced that a minute's silence would be observed across the country's football divisions. Players, coaches and referees were also set to wear black armbands in Jorge's memory.Messi's return to Rosario comes at an emotional time for the football superstar, who had recently returned to action for Inter Miami. His teammate Rodrigo De Paul also paid tribute to him during Inter Miami's Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, celebrating his goal by revealing a Messi No.10 shirt underneath his own jersey. As Messi now mourns the loss of his father, the football community continues to stand by the Argentina captain and his family.

Lionel Messi was missing following the death of his father as Inter Miami lost 2-1 to visiting Monterrey on Saturday in a Leagues Cup match.Teams observed a minute of silence before the match for Jorge Messi, who died at age 68 in Argentina, where the Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi arrived on Saturday night.

Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami's match against Monterrey after the death of his father, Jorge, amid a flurry of tributes from fans and teammates. Jorge Messi, who was a hugely influential figure during his son's early career and also worked as his agent, is reported to have died in Rosario on Friday night after battling long-term illness.

In the absence of their captain, Inter Miami players honored Jorge Messi by wearing black armbands, while fans paused for a moment of silence before kickoff.

In the absence of their captain, Inter Miami players honored Jorge Messi by wearing black armbands, while fans paused for a moment of silence before kickoff.

Messi's father died Saturday at age 68 following a bout with an illness, and the MLS team honored his memory.