Messi and his father. Photo: Instagram / Jorge Messi
The family of Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, on Thursday confirmed that his father, Jorge Messi, is currently dealing with a health issue, while criticising what it described as insensitive media speculation around his condition.
In a statement sent to ESPN, the family said Jorge, who also serves as Messi’s long-time agent and business manager, is “currently under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing.”
The statement comes two days after Messi was seen visibly emotional on the pitch following his first goal in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria, a moment that fuelled widespread speculation about his father’s health.
Addressing the rumours, the family said it was “deeply concerned” about how the matter had been handled by some in recent hours.
