Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly shared a message of support for Lionel Messi following the death of the Argentine star's father, Jorge. On Wednesday, August 12, the Al-Nassr captain posted a comment on an Instagram tribute shared by the Inter Miami forward. Addressing his longtime rival, Ronaldo wrote, "A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength."
The two football icons have maintained a storied rivalry on the pitch for over 15 years, a period during which they consistently pushed each other to reach new heights. In 2019, Ronaldo reflected on their shared legacy, noting that while they have never been close friends off the pitch, they have maintained a professional relationship. He expressed a hope at the time that the two might share a dinner in the future, acknowledging the mutual motivation they provided throughout their careers in Spain.
By 2023, both players had moved away from European football, with Messi joining Inter Miami and Ronaldo signing with Al-Nassr, effectively signaling the end of their direct competitive era. Despite their professional history, the possibility of the two playing together has often been debated by observers. Earlier this summer, former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre suggested that the pair would struggle to function as teammates. Silvestre argued that their respective leadership styles and egos would make it difficult for them to coexist in the same dressing room, stating that it makes more sense for them to compete against each other.
As both players enter the final stages of their careers, reuniting on the same team remains highly unlikely. Ronaldo is currently in the final year of his contract with Al-Nassr, while Messi has two years remaining on his current deal with Inter Miami.
