Lionel Messi and his family have been forced to speak out about the health of his father Jorge, after false rumors of his death were shared online.
Jorge, 68, is undergoing a ‘health situation’ that left his son in tears on the field during Argentina’s opening World Cup game in Kansas City on Tuesday night.
But while he is recovering ‘favorably’ back in Argentina, false information spread like wildfire on social media after a radio host inadvertently reported he had passed away.
Speaking on air on Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano, journalist Florencia Pena told the audience, ‘I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.’
She then added: ‘Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.’
As the fake news circulated online, she stated a few moments later: ‘There are a lot of rumors, it’s all over Twitter, it’s not confirmed by any media outlet, we’re clarifying this just in case.’
Lionel Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals against Algeria
Jorge, 68, operates as Messi’s agent and business manager, and the pair are extremely close
A furious Messi family have since released a first official statement about Jorge’s health, in a bid to quell the speculation and reassure fans that he is, in fact, alive and well.
The statement, translated from Spanish, reads: ‘The Messi family reports that Jorge is going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within his condition.
‘In light of the reports, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and decency with which some people have treated a situation that is strictly private and family-related.
‘Only his closest family has real and accurate information about Jorge’s condition.
‘Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come from the family itself and its corresponding channels should not be considered valid or truthful. At times like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.
‘We sincerely appreciate the expressions of support, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process. Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and through the appropriate channels.’
Messi is extremely close to his dad, 68, who also operates as his agent and de facto business manager, overseeing his son’s multi-million dollar empire off the field.
The story came to light on Tuesday night after Messi cried on the pitch in Kansas City, immediately after scoring his first ever World Cup hat-trick to ensure a 3-0 win over Algeria in Argentina’s opening game.
Opening up on the reason for his emotions postgame, he said: ‘No, honestly it’s something completely unrelated to sports. It’s been a few difficult days, complicated.’
It has been reported that Jorge suffered a ‘medical episode’ at his home in January of this year, and he was hospitalized as a result.
On Thursday, false information spread online that Jorge (right, with his wife) had died
Messi’s childhood sweetheart Antonela Roccuzzo has supported him throughout his career
In the aftermath, he is said to have undergone cardiovascular and neurological tests, but no official diagnosis has been shared by the family, who have kept Jorge’s health out of the media until now.
Lionel is the third of four children of Jorge and his wife Celia Cuccittini, and the pair remain together to this day. They married in 1978 and split their time between Rosario and Miami, where their footballing superstar son currently plays.
Before becoming Lionel’s agent, Jorge worked for a steel manufacturer in Villa Constitucion, meeting his wife as a young man in Rosario – where the family then grew up.
Messi has two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matias, and a younger sister, Maria Sol.
