{
  "id": 676106,
  "title": "Stay strong, Ronaldo comforts Messi following father’s death",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/stay-strong-ronaldo-comforts-messi-following-fathers-death",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T15:46:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/stay-strong-ronaldo-comforts-messi-following-fathers-death/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a heartfelt message of support to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, as reported by Fabrizio Romano on X. The Portuguese superstar reached out to his rival with a message focused on strength and solidarity, extending his support to Messi and his loved ones. Ronaldo's message, \"Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Stay strong,\" has highlighted the mutual respect between the two football legends. Despite their intense rivalry on the pitch, the pair have shown admiration for each other in their personal lives. Argentine football icon Messi bid farewell to his father, Gilbert Ekugbe, on Sunday after he passed away at the age of 68 due to cancer. Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist who covers business and economic affairs.",
  "summary": "Cristiano Ronaldo sends heartfelt message to Lionel Messi, offering support and strength after the passing of Messi’s father. Ronaldo comforts Messi in thi Read More: https://punchng.com/stay-strong-ronaldo-comforts-messi-following-fathers-death/",
  "key_points": [
    "Ronaldo sends heartfelt message to Messi after father's death",
    "Messi's father Gilbert Ekugbe died at 68 from cancer",
    "Ronaldo praises mutual respect between Messi and himself"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "Stay strong, Ronaldo comforts Messi following father’s death",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/stay-strong-ronaldo-comforts-messi-following-fathers-death-677623",
        "published": "2026-08-12T16:06:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}