Rivals on pitch, united in grief: Ronaldo’s message to Messi breaks Instagram record

BUENOS AIRES: Cristiano Ronaldo’s message of support to Lionel Messi following the death of the Argentine football star’s father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly become the most-liked comment in Instagram history, adding a remarkable social-media chapter to the careers of two of football’s most celebrated players.

Messi had paid an emotional tribute to his father on Instagram, sharing a photograph of the two together with the caption, “Te amo, pa” (I love you, Dad).
Ronaldo responded to the post with a message of condolence.
“A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong,” Ronaldo wrote.

The comment crossed 6.4 million likes within days, according to reports, surpassing Ronaldo’s previous record for the most-liked Instagram comment. That record had been set by a comment he posted on Kylian Mbappe’s announcement of his move to Real Madrid in 2024.

The response to Ronaldo’s message comes from fans of two players whose careers have dominated world football for more than a decade. Messi and Ronaldo have repeatedly been compared for their goals, records, individual honours and achievements at club and international level, making their interaction on a deeply personal occasion particularly notable.

Jorge Messi, 68, died in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness. He played a significant role in his son’s career and was his representative and close confidant during Messi’s rise from Rosario to global football stardom.

Messi travelled to Argentina following his father’s death and attended the funeral before returning to the United States. He subsequently returned to action for Inter Miami on August 12, featuring against Alianza Lima in the Leagues Cup.

In his emotional tribute, Messi also expressed uncertainty over his future in football, saying he had “quite a few doubts” about continuing to play professionally for much longer. He did not announce his retirement.
Ronaldo’s comment has since drawn millions of likes, turning a brief message of support between two of football’s biggest stars into a record-setting moment on social media.