Rafael Nadal sent Lionel Messi a heartfelt message on social media on Saturday evening after news broke that the iconic player’s father had passed away.

Jorge Messi, the man who raised arguably the greatest footballer of all time, died on Friday night at a medical clinic in the city of Rosario. The Argentine had been suffering from a long-term illness and peacefully passed away at the age of 68.

It’s said that Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup, in the weeks leading up to his death, but left recently to return to the United States to resume the MLS season with Inter Miami.

The footballing world is now mourning Jorge’s passing, and many have taken to social media to post touching tributes, including tennis legend Nadal.

Rafa Nadal’s Touching Message to Lionel Messi Following Father’s Passing

Messi has expressed his admiration for Nadal in the past, citing the 22-time Grand Slam champion as an inspiration earlier this year.

“We are currently watching the Rafa Nadal series, and I really relate to him,” Messi told Spanish media in June (via DAZN).

“I really like to play football, it is my passion since I was a child and when I am feeling good, I give my all. I think that we are very similar in that sense: I always want to give my all and feel good.”

Thus, Nadal’s heatfelt, open message to Messi after the passing of his father will likely have meant a great deal to the World Cup winner.

“Dear Leo,” the tennis icon wrote on X.

“I can’t imagine the pain you must be going through. I’m sending you all my love and my condolences to you and your entire family during such a difficult time.

“Rest in peace, Jorge.”

This tribute has gone viral on social media, picking up millions of views and encouraging many more to send messages of support to the Messi family during this trying time.

Inter Miami Pay Tribute to Jorge Messi

Nadal wasn’t the only notable account on social media to pay tribute.

Inter Miami, the club Messi has represented since 2023, sent the mourning family an earnest note.

Posting on X, the American club wrote: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”

Messi scored a brace and registered an assist in his final match before his father passed away on Thursday, against San Luis.

Manchester United are eyeing a move to sign Monaco star Lamine Camara after a formal bid was tabled for his services, according to reports in France.

The Red Devils made a midfield rebuild their priority for the summer, completing deals for both Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in quick succession for a combined fee of £85m, while veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow and rookie winger Tynan Thompson have also been brought in for Michael Carrick.

But with Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury at the World Cup, Casemiro departing at the end of his contract, and Kobbie Mainoo yet to return to pre-season following his participation at the World Cup, United are still looking to add another midfielder to their squad before the new season begins.

Man Utd Eyeing Camara Deal

Camara, who has been described as a ‘beast’, is understood to be a long-standing target at Old Trafford, and the club have been keeping a close eye on his situation this summer with Monaco open to a sale, according to Foot Mercato.

The Ligue 1 giants have put a €50m (£42.8m) price tag on his head as they look to raise funds, having already sold Maghnes Akliouche to Paris Saint-Germain for the same fee. That has caught the attention of several clubs, with Premier League side Crystal Palace tabling a formal offer already.

Man Utd remain in the hunt for his signature despite that offer, and they are awaiting more developments before making a decision on whether to make a move of their own.

The Senegal international enjoyed a fine campaign with Monaco last season, being described by teammate Lukas Hradeck as ‘one of the best players’ since he returned to action following the African Cup of Nations.

“He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves,” he said.

Man Utd Midfield Shortlist Increasing

Action Images

Man Utd have been linked with a host of names throughout the transfer window for their midfield rebuild, but so far no deals have advanced since the arrival of Youri Tielemans.

• Aurelien Tchouameni – strongly linked but Real Madrid yet to give the green light to a sale.
• Carlos Baleba – he wants to join, but the gap in valuation between Man Utd and Brighton is a stumbling block.
• Alex Scott – United are very keen, and he would be open to joining, but Bournemouth are refusing to sell.
• Eduardo Camavinga – Real Madrid are open to selling the Frenchman, but he wants to stay and fight for his place.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 08/08/2026.

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero would be ‘very open’ to joining Arsenal this summer, according to one reliable insider.

Spurs have had a busy summer transfer window, including the arrivals of Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi in central defence, with the club and the Argentina international open to a move that would see the 28-year-old depart the club following four seasons in north London.

GIVEMESPORT sources understand that the player has already agreed personal terms with Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish club preparing to make an opening bid, with Spurs valuing him at around £35m. But Arsenal have also made contact over a shock move to keep him in north London, and the player’s stance has now emerged too.

Romero ‘Very Open’ to Joining Arsenal

Romero, who has been hailed as ‘world-class’ by teammate Micky Van de Ven, missed the back end of last season due to a knee injury, but recovered in time for the World Cup as he helped Argentina reach a second consecutive final, before he limped off during the 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain.

A move has been expected all summer, with Tottenham already bringing in his replacements during the window, but no deal has been agreed.

Arsenal are understood to be in the market to strengthen their defensive options, having lost star man William Saliba for an extended period due to a back injury, which was exacerbated during the World Cup. Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa has been heavily linked, but Romero is also understood to be someone they are looking at.

It was reported that the Gunners made enquiries about a deal for the defender, but Spurs immediately ruled out the possibility of selling their captain and star defender to their fierce rivals.

However, according to reliable insider Hand of Arsenal, Romero would be ‘very open’ to making the same switch that Sol Campbell famously made, regardless of whether the deal ever materialises or not.

Romero Would Join Short List

It doesn’t look likely that a deal is on the cards, regardless of whether Romero would be open to it or not. However, should the deal somehow progress and the Argentine at the Emirates Stadium, he would be only the 16th player in history to play for both clubs, and just the fifth in the Premier League era.

• Sol Campbell – famously joined Arsenal on a free transfer after leaving Tottenham as captain.
• Rohan Ricketts – made one League Cup app for Arsenal before joining Arsenal, where he spent three seasons and made 30 apps in the Premier League.
• David Bentley – made nine first-team apps for the Gunners before finding himself at Spurs in 2008. Scored one of the greatest North London Derby goals in Premier League history, too.
• William Gallas – from Arsenal captain to Spurs defender, Gallas made 142 appearances in red before joining Spurs on a free transfer and going on to make 78 appearances over three seasons.
• Emmanuel Adebayor – Once an Arsenal hero who scored 62 goals in 142 games, he fell out with fans when he joined Man City. Ended up at Spurs for one season, scoring 18 goals in 37 games.