Lionel Messi’s family have confirmed that his father, Jorge Messi, is recovering from a health issue after widespread speculation followed the Argentina captain’s emotional reaction during the World Cup.
The clarification came days after Messi was seen in tears during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria, a match in which he scored a hat-trick and equalled Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goalscoring record of 16.
The 38-year-old Inter Miami star appeared emotional after opening the scoring and later revealed that his tears had nothing to do with football.
Messi explained after the match that his tears were related to something completely unrelated to football.
He said he had gone through some difficult days but was grateful to the entire delegation and his team-mates, who had supported him and given him strength throughout the period.
Amid growing rumours, the Messi family released a statement confirming that Jorge Messi is currently dealing with a medical condition.
The family stated that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health-related situation.
According to the statement, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing.
The family also criticised the speculation that emerged in recent days and urged the public to respect Jorge Messi’s privacy.
They expressed deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion shown by some people in treating what they described as a strictly private family matter.
The family stressed that only close relatives possess accurate information regarding Jorge Messi’s condition and warned against believing unverified reports.
They clarified that only Jorge Messi’s closest relatives have real and accurate information regarding his condition and said that any version, statement or information not coming directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.
The family also called for responsibility, prudence and humanity, saying that a person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.
The statement concluded by thanking supporters for their messages of support while requesting privacy during Jorge Messi’s recovery.
The family said they sincerely appreciated the expressions of affection, respect and concern they had received and asked that Jorge’s privacy, confidentiality and intimacy, as well as that of his entire family, be respected throughout the process.
Messi’s emotional night against Algeria ended in historic fashion as he became the joint-leading scorer in World Cup history. His hat-trick helped Argentina begin their campaign with a convincing victory and reinforced their status as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
Argentina return to action on Monday when they face Austria in Dallas before concluding their Group J campaign against Jordan later in the month.
For now, however, attention has shifted away from football as Messi and his family focus on the recovery of the man who has played a central role throughout the superstar’s career.
