Cristiano Ronaldo has reached out to Lionel Messi after the death of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, offering a message of support to his longtime football rival during a difficult personal moment.
Jorge Messi died in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68 after health problems. His death was confirmed earlier this week, bringing an end to a period of concern surrounding the Messi family.
On Wednesday, Lionel Messi broke his silence publicly for the first time since his father's death. The Inter Miami and Argentina star shared an emotional message on Instagram remembering Jorge as his father, friend and representative.
Messi wrote about how difficult it was to accept that his father was gone and admitted that he did not know how he would continue without him. His message also showed the close relationship they shared and Jorge's enormous influence on his football career.
Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Support to Lionel Messi
Among the messages of support for Messi was one from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo commented under Messi's Instagram post with a short but personal message offering his support to the Argentine during the difficult period.
“A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo,” Ronaldo wrote.
Although Ronaldo and Messi spent much of their careers being compared as rivals, the two have regularly shown respect for each other away from the pitch.
Lionel Messi Opens Up About His Father's Final World Cup Wish
Messi was not only mourning his father but had also spent the 2026 World Cup dealing with concerns about Jorge's health. Before the tournament, Messi had spoken about going through a difficult period away from football. Jorge's health had been a source of concern for the family, and earlier reports about his supposed death had been false. The Messi family had previously confirmed that Jorge was receiving medical care and was recovering.
In his latest tribute, Messi revealed more about the final months of his father's life and the role Jorge played during his World Cup campaign.
Messi explained that Jorge had repeatedly encouraged him to play in one more World Cup. The Argentine star also wrote that his father had hoped to watch him at the tournament, but his health deteriorated shortly before it began.
Jorge Messi was much more than Lionel's father. He was also his longtime representative and played a major role in guiding his son's career from the beginning. His influence was particularly important during Messi's early years, including the move that eventually took the young Argentine to Barcelona.
