On the pitch, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were involved in one of the most intense rivalries in world football. Outside of them, however, the scenario shows great mutual respect, with the Portuguese player joining the list of personalities who paid condolences to the Argentine, who recently suffered the loss of his father.
The Al Nassr star used social media to leave a comment on Messi’s profile, in a very emotional publication dedicated to his late father, Jorge Messi. Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his feelings, wishing the star and his entire family strength on August 12, 2026.
“A huge hug for you and yours in these difficult times, Leo. Lots of strength”, wrote the renowned Portuguese athlete in his comment.
Lionel Messi’s touching farewell letter to his father
Dad, I still can’t accept that you’re gone. It’s hard to imagine that there will no longer be our meetings and conversations, a reality that I find difficult to assimilate. I recognize your suffering and that leaving was the best, but I consider that it was too soon, with much still to be experienced together.
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You always asked me to participate in the last World Cup, and everything happened days before the start of the tournament. It was the first time that you were not present at a competition, but my mother assured me that you were better and that you would be able to travel. I promised we would reach the final so you could come.
After each match, I felt his absence and realized the gravity of the situation. Even so, my focus was to advance as much as possible so that you would have time to watch a game. We reached the final, but you couldn’t be there. My desire was to win to bring you the cup and show you a new trophy, however, my legs didn’t respond. I tried to fight my physical limit, but I failed, and I will never forgive myself for that.
When you came back, you thought we had lost the final on penalties. We were unable to talk about the events. You didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy anything. We weren’t champions, but you can’t imagine how much we enjoyed each match. Once again, you were right: I needed to be there and play.
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I share this because it was the only topic we couldn’t cover, as everything else you already know. We talked daily and saw each other whenever my commitments allowed.
I’m unsure what I will do without your presence, I don’t know how to move forward. My life was football, and now I have big doubts whether I will continue for much longer. You have been by my side since the beginning; there was so little left until the final. Why didn’t you hold out just a little longer so we could end up together?
I know that his greatest happiness was seeing his family well, his wife, his children and, discreetly, watching me play.
Since my childhood, you have always been like this. He took me to every training session right after leaving work. My mother would often take on this task because you were busy.
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You certainly didn’t miss a single game. How much you suffered watching me play and how much you enjoyed it, although you never showed great euphoria.
You were a father, confidant and my representative. He was always the person I could trust completely and he was never wrong. Despite some scolding or arguments, you were always right. In the end, everything happened exactly as you predicted.
Your absence will be deeply felt, but you will always remain present, especially in the formation of my children, as I teach and educate them in the same way you did with me.
Rest in peace and continue to watch over us from above, just as you did here.
Thank you for everything. I love you, dad.