Buenos Aires (Rajeev Sharma): Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his heartfelt condolences to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at a clinic in Rosario at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. The loss marks a deeply personal blow for the Argentine superstar, whose father served as a pivotal figure throughout his personal life and historic sporting career. Reacting to an emotional social media tribute posted by Messi, Ronaldo offered words of support and solidarity to his longtime rival and fellow icon, sending a message of strength to the Messi family during this difficult time.
In a moving tribute shared on Instagram alongside a picture with his late father, Messi expressed his profound grief, admitting the immense difficulty of accepting his father’s departure. The World Cup winner recalled how his father urged him to participate in the 2026 World Cup despite his declining health, while Messi held onto hope that his father’s condition would stabilize enough for him to travel for the tournament’s final match. Messi noted how difficult it remains to process that he will no longer see or speak with his father, emphasizing the irreplaceable bond and guidance they shared across every stage of his life.
Jorge Messi played an foundational role in shaping his son’s extraordinary football career, transitioning from a supervisor at a steel factory to becoming his primary agent and strategic advisor as Lionel’s generational talent gained global recognition. His guidance proved decisive early on during Messi’s youth career at Newell’s Old Boys, particularly when he facilitated the family’s move to Spain so a 13-year-old Messi could join Barcelona’s youth academy. That transition also secured critical medical treatment for Messi’s growth hormone deficiency, helping him reach a height of 1.70 metres and lay the groundwork for one of the greatest careers in sports history. Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children, Rodrigo, Matias, Lionel, and Maria Sol.
