A photo collage of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi posing together with his late father/ HANDOUTCristiano Ronaldo has sent a message of support to Lionel Messi following the death of the Argentine football star's father, Jorge Messi.
Ronaldo offered his condolences in a comment on Messi's Instagram post on Wednesday, August 12, after Messi publicly addressed his father's death for the first time.
“A huge hug to you and your loved ones in these difficult times, Leo. Much strength.” The Portuguese forward wrote.
The gesture came as Messi mourned the death of his father, who was 68. Jorge Messi died on August 8 at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina.
Messi had remained largely silent following his father's death before sharing an emotional tribute on Instagram on Wednesday.
In the message, the Inter Miami forward said he was struggling to comprehend the loss and described his father as a central figure in his life.
Messi also reflected on his father's support during the 2026 World Cup, saying Jorge had encouraged him to play in what he expected to be his final World Cup.
The Argentine said his father had become seriously ill shortly before the tournament and that he had hoped to go as far as possible in the competition so that Jorge could eventually travel to watch him play.
Messi's tribute also revealed the uncertainty he is now facing over his football future.
He said he had begun questioning how much longer he would continue playing, adding that football had been his life for much of his career.
Ronaldo's message quickly drew attention because of the extraordinary football rivalry the two players have shared for almost two decades.
Their competition, particularly during Ronaldo's years at Real Madrid and Messi's time at Barcelona, became one of the defining rivalries in modern football, with the pair competing for major club honours, international success and individual awards.
Despite the intensity of that rivalry and the fierce debates it has generated among their supporters, the two players have repeatedly shown respect for each other.
Ronaldo's message offered another public example of that sportmanship, as the Portuguese star set aside their sporting rivalry to acknowledge Messi's personal loss.
Jorge Messi played an important role in his son's football career and was his representative for many years.
His death therefore marks a significant personal loss for the Argentine, whose career has been closely linked to his family's support from his early days in Rosario.
