Lionel Messi’s father is presently coping with a “health-related state of affairs”, the household stated in a press release on Thursday.
“Right now, he’s underneath medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably throughout the situation he’s experiencing,” the assertion stated.
Messi was in tears after scoring his first purpose in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria of their opening World Cup match earlier this week.
Argentina’s captain, 38, went on to finish a hat-trick, drawing stage with Miroslav Klose on the prime of the all-time World Cup goalscoring checklist.
“Why did I cry? It was one thing fully unrelated to soccer,” Messi stated after the match.
“I went via some tough days, however I am grateful to your entire delegation and my team-mates as a result of they have been all the time by my facet, giving me plenty of power to assist me get via it.”
The household addressed the hypothesis round Jorge Messi’s well being following that opening recreation.
“In gentle of hypothesis that has circulated in current hours, the household needs to precise its deep discomfort with the shortage of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some individuals have handled what’s strictly a non-public household matter.
“The household additionally needs to make clear that solely his closest kinfolk have actual and correct data concerning Jorge’s situation. Subsequently, any model, assertion, or data that doesn’t come straight from the household and its official channels shouldn’t be thought-about legitimate or truthful.”
The assertion continued: “At occasions like these, we ask for accountability, prudence, and humanity. An individual’s well being and the peace of thoughts of these round them shouldn’t be the topic of hypothesis or irresponsible media curiosity.
“We sincerely respect the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we’ve got acquired, and we ask that Jorge’s privateness, confidentiality, and intimacy – in addition to that of his total household – be revered all through this course of.”
Argentina’s subsequent group recreation is towards Austria on Monday 22 June (18:00 BST), earlier than their remaining group recreation towards Jordan on Sunday 28 June (03:00 BST).
