Lionel Messi's Father Under Medical Observation: 'Jorge Is Going Through A Health Issue'

Published 19 June 2026 · sports

Lionel Messi's Father Under Medical Observation: 'Jorge Is Going Through A Health Issue' Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 07:23 IST Lionel Messi's team

Lionel Messi's Father Under Medical Observation: 'Jorge Is Going Through A Health Issue' Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 07:23 IST Lionel Messi's team has released a statement that the Argentine football icon is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed health issue. Rapid Read Jorge Messi (left) and Lionel Messi (AFP/AP) Argentina captain Lionel Messi’s family has released a statement that the football icon’s father, Jorge Messi, is receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition, urging the public and media to respect the family’s privacy after false reports circulated about his well-being. In a statement released on Thursday through Messi‘s media office, the family revealed that the 68-year-old is under medical care but did not disclose details about his illness. “Jorge is going through a health situation," read the statement. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition." The statement came after rumors regarding Jorge Messi’s health spread widely in Argentina, including reports falsely claiming that he had died.

“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity," the family said. “A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest." The family added that any future updates on Jorge Messi’s condition would be communicated directly by them. The situation has unfolded while Lionel Messi is representing Argentina at the World Cup. Following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in its opening match, the 38-year-old forward acknowledged he had been dealing with personal difficulties away from football. After scoring the first of his three goals in the match, Messi became visibly emotional. The strike also saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals. “My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to soccer. And those feelings were because of that," Messi said.

“I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me." Jorge Messi has long been one of the most influential figures in his son’s career. He accompanied a young Lionel Messi to Barcelona for his trial at La Masia and later managed many of the football star’s business and contractual affairs, including transfers, commercial agreements and investment ventures. As Lionel Messi remains with Argentina ahead of the team’s next World Cup fixture against Austria, the family expressed appreciation for the support they have received. “We request that the privacy and confidentiality of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process," the statement said. The family also conveyed its “sincere gratitude for the outpouring of affection, respect and concern received." News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Feroz Khan Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent.