Lionel Messi's father is recovering from an unspecified "health issue," the star's family said Thursday, as they appealed for privacy after a flurry of recent media reports.
Speculation over the health of 68-year-old Jorge Messi intensified after Argentina skipper Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals in a 3-0 World Cup victory over Algeria on Tuesday.
Jorge “is currently under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably given his condition," Messi's family said in a statement on Thursday, without providing further details about the illness.
According to sources with knowledge of events, Jorge is undergoing treatment at an institution.
Messi alluded to his personal situation on Tuesday about his emotional response to his goal against Algeria.
"It was a matter unrelated to sports. I went through some difficult and complicated days," the star told reporters.
He avoided giving details, but expressed his gratitude to his teammates and to the coaching staff for the emotional support they provided during the team's training camp.
Jorge Messi serves as his son's agent and is one of his key sources of support. He has accompanied him throughout his career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami, as well as during his international career with Argentina.
In the statement, Messi's family registered its "deep distress regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private family matter."
"We ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention," the statement said.
Best-known as his son’s long-time representative, Jorge
Lionel Messi's father is recovering from an unspecified "health issue," the star's family said Thursday, as they appealed for privacy after a flurry of recent media reports.
Speculation over the health of 68-year-old Jorge Messi intensified after Argentina skipper Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals in a 3-0 World Cup victory over Algeria on Tuesday.
Jorge “is currently under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably given his condition," Messi's family said in a statement on Thursday, without providing further details about the illness.
According to sources with knowledge of events, Jorge is undergoing treatment at an institution.
Messi alluded to his personal situation on Tuesday about his emotional response to his goal against Algeria.
"It was a matter unrelated to sports. I went through some difficult and complicated days," the star told reporters.
He avoided giving details, but expressed his gratitude to his teammates and to the coaching staff for the emotional support they provided during the team's training camp.
Jorge Messi serves as his son's agent and is one of his key sources of support. He has accompanied him throughout his career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami, as well as during his international career with Argentina.
In the statement, Messi's family registered its "deep distress regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private family matter."
"We ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention," the statement said.
Best-known as his son’s long-time representative, Jorge Messi worked in the steel industry in Rosario before becoming closely involved in managing his son's career.
As his son’s talent became clear, Jorge played a key role in supporting his development, negotiating key medical treatment for his child and leading the family’s relocation to Spain when Lionel joined the youth academy of FC Barcelona.
Over the years, he has acted as Lionel's agent and adviser, overseeing contract negotiations, sponsorship agreements and various business interests.
Jorge was last seen in November 2025 at a MLS match to watch his son. Since then, both he and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, have not appeared publicly.
Lionel has rarely commented publicly on his relationship with his father, though he has often said his parents and siblings provided him with the foundation to embark upon his career.
In one past interview, he paid tribute to the support Jorge provided him with after his move to Spain as a child to play for Barcelona, saying: "My father was always there for me."
– TIMES/AFP
Messi worked in the steel industry in Rosario before becoming closely involved in managing his son's career.
As his son’s talent became clear, Jorge played a key role in supporting his development, negotiating key medical treatment for his child and leading the family’s relocation to Spain when Lionel joined the youth academy of FC Barcelona.
Over the years, he has acted as Lionel's agent and adviser, overseeing contract negotiations, sponsorship agreements and various business interests.
Jorge was last seen in November 2025 at a MLS match to watch his son. Since then, both he and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, have not appeared publicly.
Lionel has rarely commented publicly on his relationship with his father, though he has often said his parents and siblings provided him with the foundation to embark upon his career.
In one past interview, he paid tribute to the support Jorge provided him with after his move to Spain as a child to play for Barcelona, saying: "My father was always there for me."
– TIMES/AFP
