De Paul dedicates long-range strike to Messi in emotional Inter Miami moment
De Paul scored from distance in the 32nd minute and honoured absent teammate Lionel Messi during Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup tie with Monterrey.
On August 9, 2026, Rodrigo De Paul produced a stirring moment at Inter Miami's home stadium when he opened the scoring against Monterrey with a powerful long-range strike and immediately dedicated the goal to his teammate Lionel Messi.
De Paul struck in the 32nd minute, finding the net from roughly twenty metres and placing the ball into the bottom corner. After the shot, the Argentine midfielder performed a touching celebration directed at Messi, who was absent from the match for a well-known reason — the death of Jorge's father.
Tribute and response
The dedication drew a long round of applause from the crowd as team-mates and supporters recognised the gesture. It was an emotional scene in Miami, where moments of solidarity for Messi and his family have been visible since news of the bereavement.
Despite De Paul's spectacular opener and the warm reaction, Inter Miami were unable to preserve their lead by the final whistle.
The game was played as part of the Leagues Cup, the tournament that brings together clubs from the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Photo: press material from the event
