Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a heartfelt message of support to Lionel Messi following the death of the Argentine forward’s father, Jorge Messi.
Ronaldo expressed his sympathy to his longtime football rival in a message shared on Wednesday.
“Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Stay strong,” Ronaldo wrote.
Jorge Messi, who was 68, passed away after a battle with cancer. He played a significant role in his son’s life and football career, serving as Messi’s agent and one of his closest sources of support from childhood.
Messi Opens Up About Father’s Death
Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, has spoken publicly about the emotional impact of losing his father.
In a social media post on Wednesday, the 39-year-old forward expressed his grief and admitted that he now has serious doubts about how much longer he will continue playing football.
“I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer,” Messi wrote.
The Argentine star also reflected on his father’s absence during the 2026 World Cup, saying Jorge’s health deteriorated shortly before the tournament.
Messi had hoped Argentina would reach the final so his father could travel to watch him, but Jorge was unable to attend.
Argentina eventually reached the final but lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey, with Messi scoring eight goals during the tournament.
Messi returned to the United States on Tuesday night after attending a private funeral on Sunday in Perez, near Rosario, alongside close family members and some of his Argentina teammates.
Jorge Messi’s Role in Lionel’s Career
Messi described his father as “a father, a friend, and an agent” who had always supported him throughout his career.
Jorge Messi left his job and family in Argentina in 2000 to accompany the then-13-year-old Lionel to Barcelona, where the young footballer received treatment for a growth hormone deficiency while beginning his professional journey.
His support remained central to Messi’s development both on and off the pitch.
