Lionel Messi's family said Jorge Messi is receiving medical care for an undisclosed illness. The request came on Thursday, as rumours about Jorge Messi's health spread in Argentina.
The statement said the 68-year-old is under medical observation. The family also asked media outlets to avoid speculation while Lionel Messi plays at the World Cup.
The message, issued through Messi's media office, followed reports claiming Jorge Messi had died. The family described the situation as sensitive and asked for restraint. "At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity," the statement said. "A persons health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest. "
Jorge Messi health rumours and the family statement
The family
did not disclose the cause of the illness. The statement said, "Jorge is going through a health situation," and added that Jorge Messi is improving. The family said Jorge Messi is recovering and progressing well within the current condition. It also said any new information would come directly from the family.
In the same statement, the family thanked people for their concern. The family said it had received affection, respect and support during the period. The family also asked that privacy be maintained during the medical process. "We request that the privacy and confidentiality of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process," the statement said.
Lionel Messi World Cup comments amid Jorge Messi health update
Lionel Messi spoke after Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in the team's opening World Cup match. The 39-year-old said the period had been hard on a personal level. "My tears after the first goal? Ive had some tough days. It wasnt related to soccer. And those feelings were because of that," Messi said.
Messi also credited the group around the squad for support. "I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me," Messi said. Messi became emotional after scoring the first goal in the match. That strike was part of three goals scored by Messi against Algeria.
The first goal also took Messi to a major World Cup record. It allowed Messi to match Miroslav Klose's mark as the leading World Cup scorer. Both players have 16 goals in the tournament's history. The moment came while attention also remained on the family's medical situation.
Jorge Messi role as agent and key career decisions
Jorge Messi has been central to Lionel Messi's career away from the pitch. Jorge Messi acted as agent and handled business matters for years. Jorge Messi travelled with the young player to Barcelona in the early 2000s. The visit involved a trial at La Masia, Barcelona's youth academy.
Jorge Messi also handled major contract talks and moves. Jorge Messi negotiated Lionel Messi's deals at Barcelona. Jorge Messi later managed transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. The work also included managing image rights and investments. Those included real estate, hotels and restaurants.
In 2016, Lionel Messi and Jorge Messi were convicted in Spain for tax evasion. Both avoided prison because the sentence was under two years. The case remained a notable legal issue in the family's public history. It was separate from the current health matter described by the family.
Argentina base camp plans during Jorge Messi health situation
While Lionel Messi remained at Argentina's base camp in Kansas City, the team prepared for the next fixture. Argentina awaited a second group match against Austria on Monday in Dallas. The family statement came during this build-up. The family said further updates would be shared if there were developments.
The family's statement stayed focused on health and privacy. It stressed that rumours should not drive coverage of Jorge Messi's condition. The family confirmed that Jorge Messi is under observation and improving. Lionel Messi continued World Cup duties with Argentina, while the family asked for calm reporting and respect for confidentiality.
With inputs from PTI
