Messi in Tears After Hat-trick as Father Hospitalized

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, but he left the pitch in tears. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed he is living through “difficult days,” thanking his wife and children present at his side in the United States “for giving me the strength to get through this.”

The reason for his distress has now been confirmed by the family itself: Jorge Messi, 68, father and former agent of the Argentine star, was unable to travel from Argentina due to serious health problems. “He is currently under close medical supervision but his condition is improving, progressing positively given his situation,” the family statement released on Wednesday indicated.

The Messi family sought to correct the spread of unverified information surrounding the patriarch’s health: “Any other version or information not coming from reliable and recognized sources cannot be considered credible or truthful.” The family also demanded that “privacy be respected, as well as Jorge’s private life, throughout this process.”

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s career, accompanying him from his departure to Barcelona at age 13 and managing his sporting and financial interests for many years. His presence in the stands at major Argentina matches had become a constant, which makes his absence at the World Cup all the more notable.