For the past two decades, the sport of soccer has been dominated by two of the best players in history. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have marked a generation and continue to give fans countless memories even in the twilight of their careers.

Due to being pitted against each other by the media particularly in their Ballon d’Or race, as well as their on-field rivalry while with Barcelona and Real Madrid, many have considered that they don’t like each other. Despite that, when both speak about the other, it’s always nothing but nice things that get said.

Right now, Messi is going through the toughest moment of his personal life. His father, Jorge Messi, passed away a few days ago. Leo is still mourning, but he gathered enough emotional strength to post a heartbreaking farewell message on social media on Wednesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo sends message of support to Lionel Messi in the wake of his father’s death

Not many would have expected Ronaldo to say anything, especially since they aren’t friends off the pitch, but Cristiano showed that some things go beyond football: He sent a message of support to Messi on the post.

It was a beautiful reminder that sporting rivalries must stay on the field. Ronaldo can also sympathize with Messi since he’s gone through a similar situation. Cristiano’s father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, passed away in 2005 when Ronaldo was just 20 years old.