Cristiano Ronaldo Puts Aside Rivalry to Support Lionel Messi After His Father’s Death

Cristiano Ronaldo was one of millions who offered his support to Lionel Messi after the recent death of the Argentine’s father, Jorge, urging his longtime rival to “stay strong.”

Jorge Messi, who managed his son’s legendary career dating back to their days in Rosario, died at age 68. Once the news was confirmed on Aug. 8, an outpouring of tributes came from the soccer world, all honoring the former steel factory worker.

Messi posted his own heartbreaking message on Wednesday, penning an emotional goodbye to his “dad, friend and mentor.” The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed Jorge’s condition worsened throughout the 2026 World Cup, which was why the Argentine was not by his son’s side at the tournament for the first time ever.

“I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be with me—especially in raising my children, because I teach and raise them just as you both did with me,” Messi wrote. “Rest in peace, and watch over us from above just as you did here. Thank you for everything.”

Ronaldo, who lost his father back in 2005, responded to the tribute on Instagram: “A huge hug for you and yours during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong.”

Some Things Are Bigger Than Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi — Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Lionel Messi’s rivalry is one for the record books. | Pat Elmont and Karl Bridgeman/FIFA/Getty Images

Ronaldo and Messi are undoubtedly one of the greatest rivalries of all time, across any sport. The two players traded Ballon d’Or awards, records and trophies during the height of their careers at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.

The rivalry spilled to the international stage, where they fought to bring glory to their home countries. Many hoped to finally see the two face off at a World Cup this summer, but the dream matchup was dashed once Ronaldo and Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16.

Argentina made a run to the final, but La Roja bested them as well, denying Messi what would have been a storybook ending to his World Cup career, one that now has so much more meaning in the aftermath of his father’s passing.

Despite being pitted against each other for their entire careers, Messi and Ronaldo never had bad blood between them, always moving with respect toward one another off the pitch. Back in May, the Barcelona legend pulled back the curtain on his epic rivalry with the Portuguese phenom.

“Those comparisons or competitions are something natural in the world of soccer. It’s normal, just like it happens with clubs or national teams, but it was never anything beyond sports,” Messi revealed in an interview on Lo Del Pollo.

“I was at Barcelona and he was at Real Madrid, playing Clásicos, and we were competing for everything both collectively and individually, so people were always comparing us. What both of us achieved made the rivalry even bigger.

“We didn’t meet often except during matches or award ceremonies, where everyone was always watching to see whether he or I would win. But we were always on good terms. Now we’re far away and at different stages of our lives, but what happened was a beautiful sporting rivalry.”

Ronaldo’s show of compassion during such a hard time for Messi adds yet another chapter to that “beautiful” connection between the two all-time greats.

David Beckham, Ángel Di María Offer Their Support

David Beckham, Lionel Messi, MLS Cup — David Beckham (right) co-owns Inter Miami. | CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP/Getty Images

Ronaldo was just one of many big names to show support to Messi. David Beckham, who played an instrumental role in bringing Messi to Inter Miami back in 2023, wrote: “We are with you and your family, Leo. Always.”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois commented, “Much strength.”

Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Carles Puyol, as well as longtime Argentine teammates, Ángel Di María and Cristian Romero, shared heart emojis below the emotional post.

Among the players were countless tributes from fans, with the post containing over 800,000 comments as of Wednesday midday.

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