Cristiano Ronaldo sends support to Lionel Messi after tribute to his late father

On August 12, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo publicly offered support to Lionel Messi after Messi published an emotional social media post mourning the death of his father. Ronaldo replied to Messi’s message with the words: "A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength."

Messi’s post was his first on social media since his father’s passing and said he could not fathom the grief and did not know how he could continue. He wrote that his strongest motivation had gone and that the world seemed to have stopped; in the same message he said he had been determined to win the World Cup for his father and admitted he lacked the strength because he could not push himself physically.

The former president of the text names Jorge Messi as the deceased; Jorge died last week at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness and period of poor health. The article states Jorge had acted as Messi’s first counsel, agent and backer from the start, and that his funeral was held in complete secrecy in Messi’s hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

Ronaldo reacted to Messi’s public tribute on social media and extended support to the former Barcelona forward, applying the "huge hug" message to his "fiercest adversary" and wishing him strength. A related social post accompanying Ronaldo’s response said: "Cristiano Ronaldo has sent his love to Lionel Messi and his family following the passing of his father ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EWuazOiOPZ."

Messi is 39 years old and led Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026; the article also refers to him as an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. Recent media reports cited in the article indicate he will remain in Argentina for an indefinite period.

According to those media reports, Messi has paused his playing career indefinitely and will be out of football action while he remains in Argentina.