Messi family confirms father Jorge's health issue after tearful World Cup hat-trick

Lionel Messi’s family confirmed on Thursday that his father Jorge is receiving medical treatment for a health issue, revealing the private struggle behind the Argentina captain’s tearful reaction to his hat-trick in the team’s 3-0 World Cup opening victory over Algeria.

Messi scored three times in the match, drawing level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring list, but was seen in tears after his first goal. When asked about his emotions post-match, Messi offered a telling explanation. “Honestly, completely unrelated to the sport, I went through some difficult, complicated days,” he said. “I’m grateful to the entire delegation, to my teammates. They were always there for me, as always. They gave me a lot of strength to get through this, and that’s all.”

The family’s statement confirmed Jorge’s condition while offering reassurance about his progress. “At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing,” it read.

Jorge Messi has been a central figure throughout his son’s career, serving as his agent and business manager after working as a supervisor at a metal factory in the family’s hometown of Rosario.

The statement also took direct aim at media coverage that followed Argentina’s opening game, condemning what the family described as a failure of basic sensitivity. “The family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some people have treated what is strictly a private family matter,” it said.

The family further warned that only those closest to Jorge hold accurate information about his condition, urging the public to disregard any accounts not issued through official family channels. “Any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful,” the statement added.

Concluding with a direct appeal, the family asked for “responsibility, prudence, and humanity”, stating that “a person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”

Argentina’s next World Cup fixture is against Austria on Monday.