The family of Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi has issued a public statement confirming that his father, Jorge Messi, “is going through a health situation,” amid rumors about Jorge Messi's health. The family asked for “responsibility, prudence and humanity.”
The family statement, released by Messi’s media office, came on the same day that reports of Jorge Messi’s death began circulating in Argentina.
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“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition.”
The 38-year-old Messi said after Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in the team's opening World Cup match that he was going through a difficult personal situation.
“I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to soccer,” he said without adding more details.
“In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity,” the family said in a statement. “A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”
The statement said any further developments would be communicated by the family.
