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Cristiano Ronaldo Sends Message To Messi Over Father’s Death
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has offered a public message of support to Lionel Messi following the passing of Messi’s father and longtime manager, Jorge Messi.
The tragedy occurred after a prolonged illness, prompting the Inter Miami forward to share an emotional tribute honoring his father’s foundational role in his life and career.
In his message, the Argentine captain reflected on the deep bond they shared and expressed the profound grief of navigating life without his primary anchor:
“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.”
Reaching out directly to offer solidarity, Ronaldo posted a supportive comment acknowledging their shared history and mutual respect:
“A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”
Messi, in an emotional statement following his father’s death, revealed how Jorge’s deteriorating health had weighed heavily on him throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Dad, you kept asking me to play in one last World Cup… just days before it began was when your condition got worse,” Messi wrote.
The Argentina captain said it was the first major tournament his father was unable to attend. Messi recalled being told by his mother that Jorge could recover sufficiently to travel, prompting him to make reaching the World Cup final a personal mission.
“After every match, I waited for and missed your message. That’s when I realised how serious the situation really was,” Messi wrote.
Messi said he continued hoping that Argentina could stay in the competition long enough to give his father the opportunity to watch him play.
Argentina eventually reached the final but were beaten 1-0 by Spain after extra time. Messi revealed that he desperately wanted to lift another World Cup trophy and take it home to his father.
“We reached the final, but you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you another one. I couldn’t,” Messi said.
‘My legs just couldn’t give me any more’
Messi also opened up about the physical difficulties he experienced during the tournament, saying he tried to push his body beyond its limits.
“My legs just couldn’t give me any more. This time I tried to push beyond what my body could handle, but I couldn’t. I never managed to feel physically right,” he wrote.
Despite Argentina missing out on the title, Messi said his father had ultimately been right in encouraging him to play one more World Cup.
“We didn’t become champions Dad, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play in it… as you told me, always.”
Manchester City have named Ruben Dias as their new captain, with Erling Haaland, Marc Guehi and Gianluigi Donnarumma also included in the club’s leadership group.
Dias takes over from Bernardo Silva, who left City during the summer. The Portugal defender will lead the team, while Haaland, Guehi and Donnarumma will take on additional leadership responsibilities as City continue life under new manager, Enzo Maresca.
The announcement was made by coach Maresca earlier today, September 4, with the four players chosen for their experience and influence within the squad. Maresca previously named Enzo Fernandez as captain during their time together at Chelsea, but Dias will now wear the armband at the Etihad Stadium.
Maresca also spoke about Fernandez’s arrival at City after the Argentina international completed a joint-British record £125 million move from Chelsea on deadline day. He said several City players were keen to see the midfielder join the club because of his winning mentality and experience.
“I know Enzo quite well and I know what he can bring to the team,” Maresca said. “He is a winner, a winner’s mentality and knows how to win [after] the World Cup, Club World Cup.”
The manager added: “I can promise you that in the last four or five days four or five players from the squad were asking if he is coming or not because they want him to be with us.”
Fernandez could make his City debut against newly promoted Coventry City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. His transfer formed part of City’s record £458 million spending spree, which also included Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said the club had handled Fernandez’s departure respectfully and was now focused on moving forward.
“In football many things happen. With Enzo we have had conversations and always with respect. What he has done for the club has been great, but now it’s time to move forward,” Alonso said.
Galatasaray manager, Okan Buruk, has provided the latest injury update on two of his players, Victor Osimhen and Mario Lemina.
Speaking to beIN Sports after Galatasaray defeated Başakşehir 3-2 in the Turkish Super Lig encounter on Friday, Buruk said Lemina and Osimhen sustained a groin injury.
According to him, both players will need to do MRIs, and hopefully, they can be ready for the upcoming Champions League match.
“Lemina had a slight groin pain in training yesterday. Osimhen also felt it today,” Buruk said.
Ex- Sierra Leone international Michael Lahoud has placed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen among the best three forwards currently playing in Europe.
Lahoud made the assessment while discussing Galatasaray’s prospects in the UEFA Champions League, expressing confidence that the Turkish giants have enough attacking quality to make a strong impression in the competition.
According to the former midfielder, Osimhen’s goalscoring ability, combined with the arrival of Portuguese star Rafael Leao, gives Galatasaray a major attacking advantage as they prepare for their Champions League campaign.
Lahoud argued that Osimhen belongs in the same conversation as some of the biggest names in world football, including England captain Harry Kane and France superstar Kylian Mbappe.
“Galatasaray has arguably the best striker in Europe right now alongside Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Victor Osimhen,” Lahoud said on the CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Lahoud Backs Galatasaray for Champions League Success
The former Sierra Leone international believes Galatasaray’s attacking options could make them one of the teams to watch during the Champions League league phase.
He particularly highlighted the combination of Osimhen and Leao, describing the Portuguese winger as a potential game-changer for the Turkish club.
Lahoud said the presence of Leao could provide Galatasaray with an additional attacking dimension, particularly in matches against some of Europe’s established clubs.
“I stand on business when I say that the numbers don’t lie when it comes to the Champions League. But the fact that Galatasaray have Rafael Leao, I think that becomes a real X factor,” he stated.
Lahoud went as far as predicting that Galatasaray would finish among the top eight teams at the end of the Champions League league phase.
“Galatasaray will finish the Champions League league phase in the top eight this season,” he added.
Osimhen Remains Key to Galatasaray’s Ambitions
Osimhen is expected to play a central role in Galatasaray’s ambitions both domestically and in Europe, with the Nigerian forward having established himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in European football.
His pace, physical strength, movement and ability to score from different situations have made him a major attacking threat, while his Champions League experience is also expected to be valuable to the Turkish champions.
With Leao now providing another major attacking option, Galatasaray will hope their star-studded forward line can help them compete against Europe’s elite.
Lahoud’s prediction will also raise expectations around Osimhen, particularly among Nigerian football fans who will be hoping the Super Eagles striker can continue to deliver at the highest level on the European stage.
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