Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, was in tears after scoring his first goal in Argentina's opening World Cup match against Algeria. The 38-year-old later explained that his emotion was "something completely unrelated to football" — a rare glimpse into a deeply personal crisis unfolding behind the scenes. Messi's father, Jorge Messi, 68, is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness, the family confirmed in a statement on Thursday. The news has sparked intense media speculation, prompting the family to appeal for "responsibility, prudence and humanity."
At the centre of the story is Jorge Messi, who has been a constant presence throughout his son's career, from the streets of Rosario to the world's biggest stadiums. The family statement, released by Messi's media office, said Jorge "is going through a health situation" and is "currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favourably within his current condition." The statement did not specify the illness. It came after false rumours of Jorge's death circulated in Argentina, and the family expressed "deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples" with which the matter had been treated. The family stressed that only his closest relatives have accurate information and asked that "any version, statement, or information that does not come from the family itself and its official channels should not be considered valid or true."
“Lionel Messi's father Jorge is receiving medical treatment; explains the situation and why it matters for UK readers.”
This is not the first time Messi's private life has collided with his public role. During Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign, his family were frequently in the spotlight. But the current situation is notable because it involves the health of his father in the middle of a major tournament. Messi, who is playing at his sixth World Cup, scored a hat-trick against Algeria — his first World Cup hat-trick — drawing level with Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring list. Yet his post-match comments made clear that football was not his priority in that moment. "I went through some difficult days, but I'm grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength," he said.
For UK readers, this story resonates on several levels. Messi is one of the most recognisable sports figures in the world, and his emotional vulnerability has drawn sympathy from British fans who have watched him dominate English clubs for years. It also raises questions about the pressures elite athletes face when personal crises coincide with professional demands. Moreover, it highlights how the media's treatment of public figures' health can spill into harmful misinformation — a concern that British audiences have seen play out in other contexts, such as the Royal Family's health announcements. The Messi family's plea for privacy and responsible reporting is a reminder that even the most famous athletes are entitled to a private life.
Q: Why did Lionel Messi cry after scoring against Algeria? Messi said his tears were "something completely unrelated to football" and that he had been going through "difficult days" because of his father's health situation. He did not elaborate, but the family later confirmed Jorge Messi was receiving medical treatment.
Q: What is wrong with Jorge Messi? The Messi family has not disclosed Jorge's illness. In a statement, they said he is "under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within his current condition." They asked the media not to speculate and said only close relatives have accurate information.
Q: Will Lionel Messi continue playing at the World Cup? Yes, Messi is expected to remain with the Argentina squad. The next group game is against Austria on 22 June, and the Mirror reported he is expected to be available. The family statement did not indicate any change in his participation.
What happens next depends on Jorge Messi's recovery and how the media responds to the family's request for privacy. Argentina will continue their World Cup campaign, with Messi playing through a family crisis that has already drawn public sympathy. The family said any relevant updates will be communicated "promptly" through official channels.