Messi family says Jorge Messi is recovering from health issue

Lionel Messi’s family said his father, Jorge Messi, is recovering while receiving medical care, seeking to quiet speculation about his health during Argentina’s World Cup campaign. The family said Jorge Messi is “evolving favourably” and asked the public and media to respect his privacy.

In a statement released Thursday by Messi’s media office, the family said Jorge Messi remained “under medical follow-up.” The statement did not identify the illness or give further medical details.

The family’s response followed days of public concern after Lionel Messi became emotional during Argentina’s World Cup match against Algeria. Messi wiped away tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina’s opening goal, which drew attention because the reaction appeared unrelated to the match itself.

Messi later said his emotions were tied to personal difficulties rather than football. “My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to football. And those feelings were because of that,” Messi said, according to Reuters and The Associated Press. He also thanked Argentina’s players, coaching staff and delegation for supporting him.

Reuters and AP reported that the family statement was issued the same day reports of Jorge Messi’s death circulated in Argentina. The family criticized speculation around his condition and urged restraint.

“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.”

Jorge Messi has long been closely involved in his son’s career. Reuters and AP reported that he acted as Lionel Messi’s agent and handled major off-field business matters.

According to Reuters and AP, Jorge Messi accompanied his son to Barcelona in the early 2000s for a tryout at La Masia, the club’s youth academy. He later negotiated Messi’s contracts with Barcelona and his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while also overseeing image rights and investments in property, hotels and restaurants.

Reuters and AP also noted that Lionel Messi and his father were convicted in Spain in 2016 on tax evasion charges. They avoided prison because the sentence was under two years.

Lionel Messi remains with Argentina at the team’s base camp in Kansas City, Reuters and AP reported. Argentina, the defending champion, is scheduled to play Austria in a Group J match Monday in Dallas.

The family said it was grateful for the messages of affection, respect and concern it had received. It asked that Jorge Messi and his relatives be allowed privacy while he continues his recovery.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.