Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to his late father Jorge Messi, while Cristiano Ronaldo offered support after the Argentine star opened up about his grief and football future.

Lionel Messi has opened up about the loss of his father, Jorge Messi, in a deeply personal social media post, saying he does not know how he will continue without him. The Argentine football icon shared the tribute on Instagram after his father's death, prompting a message of support from long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi's father died aged 68 after a prolonged illness. His death has left the Argentina captain mourning one of the most influential figures in his life and career.

Ronaldo Sends Message

Cristiano Ronaldo responded to Messi's post with a message of sympathy for the Argentine and his family.

The Portugal forward wrote, “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong.”

The message attracted widespread attention because Messi and Ronaldo spent more than a decade as football's defining rivals. Their competition on the pitch has long been accompanied by mutual recognition of each other's achievements.

Father Was Career Constant

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son's football journey. He remained closely involved in Lionel's career from his early days in Argentina through his rise at Barcelona and later stages of his professional career.

Messi's tribute reflected that long association. He described his father as someone who had been beside him from the beginning and expressed uncertainty about how he would move forward after the loss.

The emotional message also showed how closely Messi connected his father's presence with his football career.

World Cup Was His Wish

Messi also recalled his father's wish that he should continue playing at the FIFA World Cup. Jorge's health reportedly deteriorated shortly before the tournament, meaning he could not be present in the way the family had hoped.

Messi went on to lead Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. The triumph completed one of the most significant chapters of his international career and ended Argentina's long wait for another men's World Cup title.

The tournament carried particular emotional significance for Messi because of his father's encouragement to keep playing.

Messi Linked Football to Grief

In his tribute, Messi indicated that football and his father's memory were deeply connected. He recalled waiting for messages from his father after matches and described how difficult it was to accept that those conversations would no longer happen.

His words have also raised questions about how the loss could affect his future in professional football. Messi is now at a stage of his career where every season carries increased significance, and the emotional impact of losing his father adds another dimension to decisions about how long he wants to continue.

However, Messi has not formally announced his retirement.

Family Remains His Focus

Messi said he intends to keep his father's memory alive through his own children. He has three sons with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo — Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

The Argentine star indicated that he wants to pass on the values and lessons he received from Jorge to the next generation of his family.

Jorge's influence extended beyond football. He was not only Messi's father but also his long-time adviser and a key figure in managing his professional career.

Rivalry Takes Back Seat

Ronaldo's message offered a reminder that the rivalry between the two football greats has often been viewed differently away from the pitch.

Messi and Ronaldo competed for individual awards, domestic titles and international recognition for much of their careers. Yet both players have repeatedly acknowledged the role their competition played in pushing each other to greater levels.

Ronaldo's latest message focused solely on supporting Messi during a difficult personal moment, rather than their sporting rivalry. It quickly became one of the most discussed developments surrounding the football world.

What Happens Next

Messi has taken time away from football following his father's death, with his immediate priority understood to be his family and personal grief. His comments have fuelled speculation about his long-term future, but there is currently no confirmed retirement decision.

For followers tracking the latest sports news, the coming weeks will provide a clearer indication of when Messi intends to return to action. For now, the focus remains on the loss of Jorge Messi and the profound impact it has had on Lionel Messi, his family and his football journey.