Lionel Messi has posted a tribute to Diogo Jota following the Liverpool star’s tragic death.
The Portuguese forward has passed away at the age of 28 following a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning. Jota was traveling with his brother Andre Silva, who also died in the accident.
The soccer world has been paying tribute to Jota and his brother since the news broke, with a number of his Liverpool teammates, including Darwin Nunez, Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott, posting emotional messages on social media along with other prominent figures from the sport.
Messi is the latest to add his condolences, having posted his own message on his Instagram story.
Above an image of Jota, the Inter Miami star and Barcelona legend included the caption “QEPD”. That's the initials of the Spanish phrase "Que en paz descanse", which translates into English as "May he rest in peace".
Messi joins his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo in posting a message for Jota, with the latter issuing a heartfelt tribute to his international teammate, having only recently played alongside Jota as Portugal won the UEFA Nations League.
Lionel Messi posted a tribute to Diogo Jota on his Instagram story
Lionel Messi posted a tribute to Diogo Jota on his Instagram story
"It doesn't make sense,” Ronaldo wrote.
"Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you got married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you."
A statement from Liverpool read: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
ZAMORA, SPAIN - JULY 3: General view of the crash site where Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives, showing the wreckage of the Lamborghini Huracan at kilometre 65 of the A-52, near the town of Cernadilla, close to Zamora, Spain. The car crash occurred just after midnight on July 3, 2025. Spanish authorities said the vehicle left the road and caught fire upon impact. Both Jota and his brother were killed. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Diogo Jota and his brother tragically died after a car crash in Spain
"The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
"We will continue to provide them with our full support."
Jota proved to be a hugely influential player for Liverpool following his arrival at Anfield from Wolves in 2020. Among his honors at the club, he helped the Reds to the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, as well as the Premier League title earlier this year.