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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.”

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The former World Cup winner joined the Ligue 1 side last summer after he was permitted to return to professional football after a doping suspension.

Pogba signed a two-year contract that was set to run until the end of the upcoming season, but a new injury setback has disrupted his plans.

The French midfielder collapsed in severe pain in his leg during a training session, accelerating Monaco’s decision to terminate his contract, according to L’Equipe and Nicemartin.com.

Pogba only returned to training last week but sustained the thigh injury in a small-sided game and was scheduled for an MRI this week.

The club will now try to reach an agreement with Pogba and his representatives over paying out his deal, which expires next summer.

Pogba was allowed back into football in March 2025 after his doping ban was reduced on appeal.

He had already left Juventus after having that contract terminated by mutual consent in December 2024.

Monaco was his route back into the game but he only managed to play in six matches last term due to persistent injury problems.

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Katsina State was thrown into mourning on Tuesday after the tragic death of Katsina United Football Club player, Chinedu Ozor, who collapsed during a pre-season friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

The promising footballer, who recently joined Katsina United from Kano Pillars FC, reportedly suffered a medical emergency during the encounter and was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital, Katsina, where he was confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Reacting to the heartbreaking incident, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed profound shock and sadness over the untimely passing of the young player, describing the loss as a devastating blow to the football community and the state.

In a statement issued on Tuesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Governor Radda said the tragedy was especially painful as Ozor had been preparing to begin a new chapter of his career with Katsina United.

“The sudden death of Ozoh Chinedu is deeply shocking and heartbreaking. It is particularly painful that a young footballer with a promising career has lost his life at such a time,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, Katsina United Football Club, the player’s teammates, coaches, management, supporters, his former club Kano Pillars FC, and the wider Nigerian football community.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, I extend our condolences to the family of Ozoh Chinedu, Katsina United FC, his teammates, coaches, management, supporters, Kano Pillars FC and the entire football community,” he added.

The tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the country’s football fraternity, with tributes expected to pour in for the late midfielder, whose career was widely regarded as one of great promise.

Ozoh’s sudden passing has once again highlighted concerns over player health and emergency medical preparedness in competitive football, as the football community mourns the loss of a talented athlete whose life and career were cut short.