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Cristiano Ronaldo has offered his condolences and support to Lionel Messi following the death of the Argentine star’s father, Jorge Messi. Ronaldo publicly reached out to his long-time football rival after Messi shared an emotional tribute to his late father on social media. In his message, the Portuguese forward urged Messi to remain strong during the difficult period and sent his condolences to the Inter Miami captain and his family.
Messi’s father, who was 68, played a major role in his son’s football career and served as his representative and adviser from his early days. In an emotional post, Messi reflected on their close relationship and the significant influence his father had on his life and career. He also revealed the emotional difficulties he experienced during the recent World Cup, saying his father’s health had affected him deeply and that he had played partly to fulfil his father’s wish.
Ronaldo’s gesture has drawn attention because of the pair’s celebrated rivalry, which dominated world football for more than a decade during their years at Real Madrid and Barcelona. Despite their competition for individual and team honours, both players have repeatedly expressed respect for each other, and Ronaldo’s latest message offered a reminder of that mutual respect away from football. Messi is now mourning the loss of one of the most influential figures in his life, while his future in football remains uncertain following his emotional tribute.
