Lionel Messi's father has been hospitalized amid the Argentinian legend's FIFA World Cup campaign, with the star breaking down on the field over concerns for his family. Jorge Messi, 68, is currently receiving medical treatment for a condition the family have preferred to keep private, as they shared in a statement.
"Jorge is going through a health situation," they explained. "He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition." The family condemned the spreading rumors that claimed Jorge had already passed away, and asked fans to avoid speculating about his condition.
"Given the versions, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter," the statement read.
© Getty Images"The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest family members have accurate and reliable information about Jorge's condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come from the family itself and its official channels should not be considered valid or true. At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and compassion."
The statement continued: "A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest. We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern received, and we request that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process."
Lionel was seen wiping tears after scoring the first goal against Algeria at the World Cup group-stage match on Tuesday, before he went on to complete a hat-trick, bringing the score to 3-0. The achievement made him equal to the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history, Miroslav Klose.
© Europa Press via Getty ImagesThe athlete hinted to journalists after the match that he was dealing with a personal situation. "My tears after the first goal? I've had some tough days. It wasn't related to soccer," he explained. "And those feelings were because of that. I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me."
Jorge and Lionel share a close relationship, with the father of four spearheading his son's career and encouraging his love of soccer. Jorge was his agent and business manager for decades, having negotiated his contract with Barcelona and his transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
© NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe 68-year-old previously shared in the 2011 book My Son The Soccer Player: The Secrets of the World’s Greatest Players as Told by Their Parents by Bruce Pisano that he was most proud of Lionel's character, more so than any of his achievements.
© Instagram"I always say the same: what makes me proud is who Leo is as a person," he said. "Of course, as he's triumphed in the sport of soccer, we are proud of him, but what we care about most is that he's a good person: [We] are all proud of him for that. His success elsewhere is a consequence of who he is."
Lionel will play for Argentina against Austria in the group-stage match on Monday in Dallas, USA.
