Lionel Messi received a heartfelt message from his arch-rival Cristiano Ronaldo following the death of his father Jorge on 8th August after a battle with illness over the last few months, which led to him not travelling to the Untied States of America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese replied to Messi’s tearful post and sent his condolences to the Argentina captain and his family.

On Wednesday (August 12), Messi took to the photo-sharing and shared his first public reaction after his father’s death. The 39-year-old wrote a long post in which he paid a rich tribute to Jorge. “Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Stay strong,” Ronaldo commented below.

Also Read:Wanted To Win World Cup To Show You, I Could Not…: Lionel Messi Shares Tearful Post Remembering Late Father

Ronaldo and Messi are universally regarded as the two greatest footballers of the 21st century. The duo shared an iconic rivalry with each as they played in La Liga for arch-rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona for nearly a decade. The duo shared 13 Ballon d’Ors between them, Ronaldo winning the prize five times while Messi has lifted the award on a record eight occasions.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo announced on Tuesday (August 11) that he tied the knot with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez. The couple married each other after dating each other for a decade. The ceremony took place in the region of Cascais, Portugal. The 41-year-old shared a post on Instagram with the newly married couple wearing their wedding rings. Meanwhile, it was confirmed that the marriage was an intimate affair attended by their five children.

The couple share two children, Alana (born in 2017) and Bella (born in 2022). The latter’s twin, Angel, tragically passed away at birth.