Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a warm message of condolence to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away in Argentina at the age of 68.
Jorge Messi died on Saturday, August 8, at a hospital in Rosario after undergoing treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness, leaving Lionel and the rest of the Messi family mourning a significant figure in their lives.
Ronaldo reached out to Messi publicly after the Inter Miami forward shared an emotional tribute to his late father on social media.
The Portuguese superstar wrote: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”
Cristiano Ronaldo scored 18 goals in 30 appearances against Barcelona for Real Madrid, while Lionel Messi scored 26 goals in 45 appearances against Real Madrid. Photocredit: Getty Images
Ronaldo and Messi spent much of their careers being compared with each other as they competed for the biggest individual and team honours in football.
Their rivalry defined an era, with the pair dominating the Ballon d’Or conversation and producing some of the most memorable individual performances in the history of the sport.
But after years of competing for records, trophies and recognition, Ronaldo’s message offered a reminder of the human relationship that exists beyond the football rivalry.
It also came from someone who understands the pain of losing a father. Ronaldo lost his own father, José Dinis Aveiro, in 2005 when he was just 20 years old.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi celebrates with his father Jorge Messi following his team’s win during 2022 FIFA World Cup final match against France at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18. 2022. Photocredit: Robert Michael/AP
Jorge was far more than Lionel Messi’s father, he played a central role in the footballer’s journey from a young boy in Rosario to one of the greatest players the sport has produced.
Jorge worked as a chemical technician and steelworker and had also played football as a midfielder, reaching the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys before abandoning the sport to complete his mandatory military service in Argentina.
When Lionel’s footballing potential became increasingly apparent, Jorge became one of the most important figures in his son’s career.
He travelled with the young Messi to Barcelona for the trial that eventually opened the door to La Masia, the club’s famous youth academy.
Lionel went on to make his Barcelona first team debut in 2005 before establishing himself as one of football’s most decorated players, winning eight Ballon d’Or awards and leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.
Jorge remained closely involved throughout that journey, serving as his son’s agent and helping negotiate contracts with Barcelona before later handling his transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
He also managed aspects of Lionel’s image rights and business interests, including investments in real estate, hotels and restaurants.
READMORE: Ex-Morocco midfielder accuses UEFA of protecting its dominance in FIFA dispute
The relationship between father and son was not simply professional. In a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata, Lionel recalled the emotional difficulties he and Jorge experienced during the early years after moving to Barcelona.
“My dad was always by my side,” Messi said at the time.
He recalled moments when both struggled emotionally with the uncertainty of their new life in Spain, describing how they would sometimes hide their tears from each other while trying to remain strong.
Jorge Messi had been dealing with an unspecified health condition in recent months. Photocredit: Emma Garcia/AP
During this year’s World Cup, Lionel had appeared visibly emotional after scoring for Argentina against Algeria, prompting speculation about the reason behind his reaction.
The Messi family later confirmed that Jorge was experiencing a health issue while strongly objecting to speculation about his condition.
The family had asked for privacy, describing health and the peace of mind of loved ones as a strictly private matter.
Jorge was unable to attend the tournament in North America, although Lionel later spent time in Rosario with him before returning to Inter Miami.
Football world mourns with Messi family
Tributes have poured in from across the football world following Jorge’s death.
Barcelona extended condolences to the Messi family and thanked Jorge for his role in entrusting the club with the early stages and most successful years of Lionel’s career.
Inter Miami also offered its support to its captain and the entire Messi family, while Paris Saint-Germain expressed its condolences to their former player.
South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, also issued a message of sympathy.
The Argentine Football Association president, Claudio Tapia, praised Jorge for raising someone he described as humble, respectful and deeply committed to others.
Argentine football authorities also ordered moments of silence at matches across all categories and instructed players, referees and coaching staff to wear black armbands as a mark of respect.
In Rosario, one of the Messi family’s businesses, VIP Rosario restaurant, closed for the day following the news.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
