Cristiano Ronaldo expresses condolences to Lionel Messi following father’s death
Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly offered his condolences to Lionel Messi in the wake of Jorge Messi’s death, which occurred on Saturday 8 August at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge was 68 and had been battling a prolonged illness, reports BritPanorama.
The Portuguese forward left a comment beneath Messi’s Instagram tribute to his late father, stating, “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong.” This heartfelt message has garnered significant attention on social media, with fans commending Ronaldo for putting aside one of football’s most intense rivalries to offer support at a poignant time.
Figures from across the sport have also reached out to the Messi family with their sympathies. Messi, in a lengthy and deeply personal statement on Instagram, addressed his father directly, expressing devastation over his passing. “Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone. I’m not falling apart, or rather, I don’t want to fall apart,” he wrote, revealing that he cannot imagine life without Jorge.
The Argentina captain raised doubts about his own playing future, sharing, “I only played football, and now I have serious doubts that I’ll keep doing it for much longer.” Messi’s emotional connection with his father was profound; Jorge not only served as a parent but also managed his son’s early career, making crucial decisions that shaped Messi’s journey to sporting success.
Messi indicated that his father’s wishes influenced his desire to lead Argentina in the 2026 World Cup, with Jorge urging him to compete. Unfortunately, his father’s health deteriorated sharply before the tournament began, preventing him from attending the final match against Spain, which Argentina lost after extra time.
Ronaldo and Messi, who have spent nearly two decades in a celebrated rivalry primarily defined by their time at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, have often displayed mutual respect beneath their fierce competition. As Ronaldo reaches out to Messi, it highlights an acknowledgment of shared experiences that transcend the competitive nature of sport.
Ronaldo is also no stranger to the pain of losing a parent, having spoken candidly about his own father’s passing at a young age. Notably, Ronaldo’s message to Messi followed closely behind his private marriage to Georgina Rodriguez, marking a week of contrasting emotions for the footballing icon.
A private funeral for Jorge was held in Rosario before Messi’s public tribute, signalling a moment of reflection for the family amid this deeply personal loss. As the football community unites in support, the intersection of brilliance and heartbreak serves as a reminder of the bonds that persist beyond the pitch.
