‘A huge hug’: Ronaldo sends grieving Messi a heartfelt message

Cristiano Ronaldo reached out to Lionel Messi with a heartfelt message of support following the death of the Argentina captain's father, Jorge Messi.

Ronaldo responded to Messi's emotional tribute to his late father on Instagram on Wednesday, writing: “Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza.”

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The message translates as: “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult moments, Leo. Stay strong.”

Ronaldo and Messi spent almost two decades at the centre of football's greatest individual rivalry, competing for major trophies and individual honours while representing Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. Their rivalry became one of the defining narratives of the sport, but Ronaldo's brief message offered a glimpse of the respect between the two beyond the pitch.

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‘I don’t know how to move forward’: Messi unsure over future after father’s death

Messi, 39, revealed on Wednesday that he is struggling to imagine continuing his football career following Jorge's death last week at the age of 68. The former Barcelona star said his father had been beside him from the beginning of his career and admitted he now has doubts about how much longer he will continue playing.

Jorge was a central figure in Messi's rise from a promising youngster in Rosario to one of the greatest players in football history. He closely accompanied his son throughout his career and served as his representative for several years.

Messi also revealed that one of the reasons he played at the 2026 World Cup was to fulfil his father's wish. Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain after extra time.

Reflecting on the tournament, Messi said he repeatedly waited for messages from his father after matches before coming to terms with how serious his condition had become. He also recalled breaking down in tears after scoring against Algeria during the tournament, explaining that he had been dealing with difficult circumstances away from football.

Despite the grief, Messi vowed to carry his father's influence into the next generation, saying he would raise his own children in the way Jorge had raised him.

Ronaldo's message came as football figures from around the world offered their condolences to Messi following Jorge's death.