Amid a growing wave of speculation, Messi's family issued their first official statement about Jorge's health on 18/6. "The Messi family wishes to announce that Jorge is experiencing health issues. He is under medical observation, recovering and showing positive progress," the statement read.

The family also expressed displeasure with unverified information, urging the public to act responsibly and respectfully. The statement further emphasized that only the closest individuals possessed accurate information about Jorge's condition.

The family of the Argentine superstar asserted that all information not officially released was unreliable, while urging media and the public to act responsibly, cautiously, and humanely.

Rumors about Jorge Messi's passing first emerged when journalist Florencia Pena stated live on the program El Show del Verano on Luzu TV, "I don't want to bring sad news, but Messi's father just passed away." She also speculated that Messi might have to withdraw from the 2026 World Cup mid-tournament.

A few minutes later, the host clarified that this information had not been confirmed by any media outlet and originated solely from social media rumors.

News of Jorge's health condition garnered attention after Argentina's three-nil victory over Algeria on 17/6. Messi broke down in tears after scoring the opening goal, stating the reason was unrelated to football.

Lionel Messi cried after scoring the opening goal in Argentina's three-nil victory over Algeria in their World Cup 2026 Group J opener at Kansas City, USA, on 16/6. *Alamy*.

Key moments from Argentina's three-nil victory over Algeria.

According to Radio Mitre, Argentina's most listened-to radio station, Messi cried because his father was gravely ill. Jorge, 68 years old, experienced health problems at home and was hospitalized in January. Subsequently, he underwent cardiovascular and neurological examinations, but the family never released this information. Some reports suggested Jorge might have pancreatic cancer.

Messi is very close with his father. Beyond being a family member, Jorge also serves as his son's representative and business manager, overseeing numerous commercial deals worth millions of USD off the field.

Messi with his parents.

Lionel Messi is the third child in the family of four children of Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini. The two married in 1978 and are still together. Besides Messi, they also have two sons, Rodrigo and Matias, and a youngest daughter, Maria Sol.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)