After an emotional start to the World Cup
Speculation about Messi’s father’s health: family comments
June 18, 2026 – 11:39 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
After his first goal in the World Cup tournament, Lionel Messi was extremely emotional. Rumors about his father’s health are making the rounds. Now the family is speaking.
After speculation about the health of his father Lionel Messi The family of the Argentine football star expressed their displeasure with the rumors. “The Messi family informs that Jorge has health problems. He is currently under medical observation, recovering and showing a positive progression given his health condition,” the family wrote in a statement.
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“In light of the reports, rumors and speculation that have circulated in the last few hours, the family would like to express its deep discomfort at the lack of empathy, respect and scruples with which some people have handled a strictly private and family matter,” it added.
After Jorge Messi played in the first World Cup group game on Tuesday Argentine national team was missing, there was speculation about the 68-year-old’s health. According to a report in the newspaper “La Nación”, rumors are said to have been spread primarily in WhatsApp groups in Messi’s hometown of Rosario and in Buenos Aires.
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After the World Cup game against Algeria (3-0), Lionel Messi said: “I’ve had a few difficult days. It’s about a matter outside of sport.”
In their statement, the family made it clear that only the closest family circle had precise information about Jorge Messi’s health. “The health of a person and the peace of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest,” demanded the family. “Any relevant news will be communicated by the family and through the appropriate channels in due course.”