Jesus De Miguel: Messi, Mbappe, football world pay tribute after tragic passing

De Miguel suffered fatal injuries during a Segunda División match against FC Andorra on Monday evening.

In the seventh minute of stoppage time, with the score locked at 2-2, the forward collided heavily with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono near the halfway line as both contested a long ball.

Owono’s knee struck De Miguel in the chest and face. The goalkeeper was shown a straight red card, and the match was abandoned as medical staff rushed onto the pitch.

De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated by paramedics in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. His condition was initially described as stable but serious.

However, his neurological state deteriorated overnight, and Tenerife confirmed he passed away at 8am local time on Tuesday.

The club released a statement saying: “Racked with pain, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe that this is true… There are no words of comfort.”

Tributes quickly poured in from across the football community. Lionel Messi wrote on Instagram: “There are no words… My condolences and lots of strength to all his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

Kylian Mbappé posted: “Much sadness. There are no words. Rest in peace.”

Barcelona’s Pedri said the news left him “speechless,” while Gerard Piqué, majority owner of Andorra, wrote: “I am sorry with all my soul. Rest in peace, Jesús.”

Real Madrid held a minute’s silence before training and issued an official statement of condolence.

Players including Thibaut Courtois, Achraf Hakimi, Dani Carvajal and many others added their own messages of support.

Spanish authorities have opened an investigation into the incident.