Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Condolences to Lionel Messi After Father's Passing
Ronaldo's Supportive Message
Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned Portuguese footballer, reached out to Lionel Messi to express his sympathies following the death of Messi's father, Jorge Messi. In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Ronaldo conveyed his support and strength to Messi and his family during this challenging period. Jorge Messi, aged 68, passed away in a clinic in Rosario after battling a prolonged illness, leaving Messi to cope with a significant personal loss.
Messi's Heartfelt Tribute
Lionel Messi took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to his late father, posting a photo alongside him and expressing his profound sorrow. Messi admitted that he is still grappling with the reality of his father's death, feeling that Jorge left this world too soon. He reminisced about how his father encouraged him to participate in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, despite his declining health. Messi had hoped that Jorge would recover enough to witness the tournament's final. In his emotional message, Messi wrote, "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. It hasn't sunk in--or rather, I don't want it to sink in. It's so hard to imagine that I won't see you again, that we won't talk anymore. I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together. You kept asking me to play in that last World Cup, but just days before it started, your condition took a turn for the worse. It was the first time you wouldn't be at a tournament, but Mom kept telling me you'd improve and be well enough to travel. I kept telling you we'd make it to the final so you could come."
Jorge Messi: A Father and Mentor
Jorge Messi was not only Lionel Messi's father but also a pivotal figure in his football journey. After Lionel's career began to flourish, Jorge transitioned into the role of his son's agent and strategic advisor, having previously worked as a supervisor at a steel factory. His influence was particularly significant during Lionel's formative years at Newell's Old Boys, where he played a crucial role in facilitating Lionel's move to Spain to join Barcelona's youth academy. The club also took care of the expenses for Lionel's treatment for a growth hormone deficiency, which had impacted his physical growth. Messi underwent daily injections as part of this treatment, ultimately reaching a height of 1.70 meters.
Jorge was married to Celia Cuccittini and was the father of four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol.