Lionel Messi has joined the football stars mourning Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, who died following a horrific collision during a Spanish second-division match against Andorra.
The Argentine shared a message on his Instagram Stories, joining an outpouring of condolences from players, clubs and football organisations as anxious hopes for the striker’s recovery gave way to grief over his sudden death.
Alongside a photograph of the player, Messi wrote: “There are no words… My deepest condolences and all my strength to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.” De Miguel was 30.
Nico Paz also paid tribute: “I can’t believe it. All my strength to his family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in peace.” The Argentine midfielder has a special connection to Tenerife, where he was born and began playing football before joining Real Madrid’s academy.
Argentine goalkeeper Gonzalo Crettaz, who played alongside De Miguel at Castellón, posted: “Rest in peace.” Andorra president and former Barcelona star Gerard Piqué wrote: “I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. Rest in peace, Jesús.”
Real Madrid issued a statement conveying condolences from the club, its president and its board to the player’s family, teammates and Tenerife. Their players and coaching staff also observed a minute’s silence before training, while Barcelona and Andorra joined the messages of support for his family.
UEFA announced that a minute’s silence would be observed at all matches in its competitions this week in De Miguel’s memory. The tribute will extend to the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and other UEFA competitions.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin said: “We searched for words and found only silence.” The Spanish Football Federation also postponed Tuesday’s scheduled Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches as a mark of respect and solidarity with the player’s family and club.
De Miguel lost consciousness after colliding with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono, before suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest and being admitted to intensive care. Tenerife reported a deterioration in his neurological condition overnight and confirmed his death on Tuesday morning, bringing the efforts to save him to a tragic end that has shaken the football community.
