{
  "id": 677623,
  "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",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T16:06:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/stay-strong-ronaldo-comforts-messi-following-fathers-death/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cristiano Ronaldo has reached out to Lionel Messi, offering words of encouragement to the Argentine football star during a challenging time following the loss of his father. The message from the Portugal forward highlights the strong bond and mutual respect between the two legendary rivals. Ronaldo's message, \"Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Stay strong,\" has been shared by Fabrizio Romano on X. The Argentina player lost his father, Gilbert Ekugbe, who had been his emotional anchor and agent since childhood, following a battle with cancer at the age of 68. Despite their fierce competition on the field, Messi and Ronaldo have consistently shown admiration and support for each other outside of matches.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-08-12T15:46:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}