Posted by Chinenye on Wed 12th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached out to Lionel Messi following the heartbreaking loss of his father, offering words of support during an extremely difficult period.
(Cristiano Ronaldo And Lionel Messi. Photo by Vanguard News)
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a heartfelt message of support to Lionel Messi after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Ronaldo wrote: "Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo," according to Fabrizio Romano online, on Wednesday. Remain resilient.
The note was sent a few days after Messi said goodbye to his father, who died of cancer at the age of 68. Since his early years, Jorge Messi has played a key role in his son's life and career, acting as both his agent and emotional support system.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami attacker voiced his profound sorrow and disclosed that he has "serious doubts" about playing football for much longer in a social media post on Wednesday.
"Without you, I don't know how to continue or what I'll do." Messi added, "I just played football, and now I seriously doubt that I will continue to do so for much longer."
He considered his father's absence from the 2026 World Cup, pointing out that Jorge's condition had gotten worse a few days prior to the competition.
Messi stated that Jorge was unable to attend, but he had hoped to make it to the final so his father could come and watch.
Argentina advanced to the final and was defeated 1-0 by Spain in New Jersey. During the competition, Messi scored eight goals.
After attending a private funeral in Perez, close to Rosario, on Sunday with close relatives and a few Argentina teammates, he went to the United States on Tuesday nite.
Messi called his dad "a father, a friend, and an agent" who "never put a foot wrong."
In 2000, Jorge Messi quit his work and family in Argentina to travel to Barcelona with 13-year-old Lionel in order to assist his early career and receive therapy for a growth hormone shortage.