Ronaldo Sets Aside Rivalry with Messi, Shares Touching Message After His Father’s Death

Ronaldo responded with a touching message to Lionel Messi’s post following the death of the Argentine footballer’s father, Jorge Messi.

Jorge Messi died on August 8 at the age of 68 after suffering serious health problems. The sad news prompted Messi to share an emotional tribute to his father on social media.

Among the thousands of reactions, Cristiano Ronaldo’s comment also drew attention. The two footballers, who were the biggest rivals in world football for more than a decade, were united this time by a heartfelt message during a difficult moment for Messi.

“A big hug to you and your loved ones at this difficult time. Stay strong,” Ronaldo wrote. The Portuguese player’s message received more than one million likes and thousands of replies from fans, who praised his gesture toward his former rival. Ronaldo personally knows the pain of losing a parent. His father, José Dinis Aveiro, died in 2005, when Cristiano was only 20 years old. A rivalry that has marked football history was set aside this time to make way for solidarity and support in a moment of grief.