Cristiano Ronaldo sends heartfelt message to Lionel Messi after death of father Jorge. According to Sports Illustrated, Messi's father had played an important role in his son's life and career, including serving as his agent for many years. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi share one of the most enduring rivalries in football history. In a moment of grief for Messi, Ronaldo's brief but sincere words showed that some things matter far more than football. Messi says final goodbye to father JorgeEarlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario to bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, in a private burial attended by close family members.