Cristiano Ronaldo sends a message of support to Messi after the death of his father.

Cristiano Ronaldo extended his support to Lionel Messi after the Inter Miami striker posted a heartfelt tribute to his father, Jorge Messi. The father of the Argentine legend passed away last Friday at the age of 68, after a long illness. A few days after this loss, Lionel Messi spoke on social media on Wednesday to express his immense sorrow and pay tribute to the one who had been by his side throughout his career.

The former captain of FC Barcelona particularly shared how much he misses his father, while hinting at uncertainty about the future of his career in professional football. Messi’s message sparked numerous reactions, including that of his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The captain of the Portuguese national team took the time to send some words of comfort to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “ I send you, and your loved ones, all my affection during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong ,” Ronaldo wrote in the comments of his former rival’s post. This gesture of support once again illustrates the mutual respect between the two titans of world football, despite their historic rivalry on the pitch.