Lisbon, Aug. 12 -- Portugal football icon Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his condolences to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, sending him and his family a heartfelt message of support and strength during this difficult time.

Jorge Messi, 68, died at a clinic in Rosario after a prolonged illness, leaving the Argentine football icon facing a deeply personal loss.

His father had played a significant role throughout Messi's career, making his passing a particularly devastating blow for the legendary forward.

"A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength," Ronaldo wrote in an Instagram comment on Messi's post.

In a post on Instagram, Messi uploaded a picture with his late father and wrote a heartfelt mess...