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Lionel Messi’s father is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and his family asked the media for “humanity” on Thursday amid rumors about Jorge Messi’s health while his son competes at the World Cup.
“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement (via Fox Sports).
The family did not specify the illness that the 68-year-old Jorge Messi is suffering from.
“He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the statement said.
Messi said after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in the team’s opening World Cup match that he was going through a difficult personal situation. He did not elaborate.
The family statement, released by Messi’s media office, came on the same day that reports of Jorge Messi’s death circulated in Argentina.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity,” the family said. “A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”
The statement said any further developments would be communicated by the family.
Also Read: World Cup 2026: Messi Should Have Been Sent Off Against Algeria —Ex-Bundesliga Referee
Meanwhile, Messi recorded the first FIFA World Cup 2026 hat-trick of his career after scoring three goals against Algeria in Kansas City on Wednesday.
With the feat, Messi, at 38 years and 357 days old, also became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
Ronaldo was 33 years and 122 days old when he scored a hat-trick against Spain in a 2018 group-stage match.
Against Algeria, the former Barcelona star opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the 17th minute before finding the net by poking in a rebound in the 60th minute.
