Ronaldo consoles Messi on Father’s passing

By Amaechi Agbo

Messi and Ronaldo during a Champions League match between Barcelona and Juventus, respectively
Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has earned widespread praise from football fans globally after putting aside his decades-long sporting rivalry to send a heartfelt message of support to Lionel Messi following the tragic death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge Messi, who also served as his son’s lifelong agent and closest confidant, passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness.
The emotional exchange took place on Instagram after Messi broke his silence with a deeply moving 599-word tribute to his late father. Among millions of messages from fans, celebrities, and teammates, Ronaldo’s comment immediately captured the world’s attention.
The Al Nassr and Portugal superstar wrote directly under Messi’s post: “A huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Much strength.”
The comment rapidly amassed over a million likes within hours, with fans calling it a beautiful display of mutual respect between the two greatest players of their generation.
For over fifteen years, football has been fiercely divided by the “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) debate between Ronaldo and Messi. However, moments like this highlight the quiet brotherhood shared by the two icons off the pitch.
Many fans noted that Ronaldo deeply understands this specific heartbreak, having tragically lost his own father, José Dinis Aveiro, back in 2005 just as his global career was taking off.
Jorge Messi played an irreplaceable role in football history. He was the man who looked after Lionel’s professional affairs from the age of 14, famously guiding his historic move from Rosario to Barcelona. In his emotional tribute, Messi recalled how his father would take him straight to training sessions after working long hours and how he lived through every single victory and defeat by his side.
Following his father’s passing, Sky Sports reported that an incredibly heartbroken Messi has temporarily stepped away from football, hinting that he is unsure how much longer he will continue playing without his father by his side.
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos has confirmed there is currently no set timetable for the Argentine captain’s return to the pitch.