DALLAS – As Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi competes on the world’s biggest stage at the FIFA World Cup, his family has broken their silence to address rampant and misleading speculation surrounding the health of his father, 68-year-old Jorge Messi. Thursday saw the release of an official statement from the Messi family via the star player’s media office, responding hours after unfounded reports of Jorge’s death spread quickly across social media and news outlets in Argentina.
In the brief but clear statement, the family confirmed that Jorge Messi is indeed undergoing ongoing medical care for an unspecified health condition, but emphasized that the situation is stable. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the statement read. The family chose not to share additional details about the specific nature of the illness, citing a desire for privacy around the personal health matter.
The confirmation of a health issue follows cryptic comments from Lionel Messi just days earlier, after Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria, which ended in a 3-0 win for his side. After the final whistle, Messi acknowledged he was navigating a challenging personal circumstance, but declined to offer any further context for the comment, which had already sparked widespread speculation in global soccer circles.
The false rumors of Jorge’s death that circulated this week pushed the family to speak out publicly, with an urgent appeal to media outlets and online commentators for respectful conduct. “At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity,” the statement 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 family closed by noting that any future updates on Jorge Messi’s condition will be shared at their own discretion, and that they will not engage with further unsolicited speculation ahead of Argentina’s upcoming World Cup matches. As the tournament progresses, all focus has remained on Lionel Messi’s campaign, as he continues to lead his national side in what is widely expected to be his final appearance at the World Cup.