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Lionel Messi breaks his silence on father Jorge's health problems after ...
Lionel Messi breaks his silence on father Jorge's health problems after ...
ByBEN NAGLE, US SPORTS EDITOR
Published:14:05 EDT, 18 June 2026|Updated:14:06 EDT, 18 June 2026
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Lionel Messiand his family have been forced to speak out about the health of his father Jorge, after false rumors of his death were shared online.
Jorge, 68, is undergoing a 'health situation' that left his son in tears on the field during Argentina's opening World Cup game inKansasCity on Tuesday night.
But while he is recovering 'favorably' back in Argentina, false information spread like wildfire on social media after a radio host inadvertently reported he had passed away.
Speaking on air on Luzu TV's El Show del Verano, journalist Florencia Pena told the audience, 'I don't want to break bad news, but Messi's father just died.'
She then added: 'Right in the middle of the World Cup, he's going to have to leave.'
As the fake news circulated online, she stated a few moments later: 'There are a lot of rumors, it's all overTwitter, it's not confirmed by any media outlet, we're clarifying this just in case.'
Lionel Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals against…
Lionel Messi's father undergoing medical treatment amid World Cup | AP News
Lionel Messi's father undergoing medical treatment amid World Cup | AP News
Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring his third goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Argentina’s Lionel Messi gestures to fans following the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
DALLAS (AP) — Lionel Messi’s father is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and his family asked the media for “humanity” on Thursday amid rumors about Jorge Messi’s health while his son competes at theWorld Cup.
The family did not specify the illness that the 68-year-old Jorge Messi is suffering from.
“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition.”
The 39-year-old Messi said afterArgentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeriain the team’s opening World Cup match that he was going through a difficult personal situation. He was very emotional after scoring the f…
What Happened To Lionel Messi's Father? Family Responds To Viral Claims
What Happened To Lionel Messi's Father? Family Responds To Viral Claims
Family of Lionel Messi has broken their silence regarding the health of the player's father, Jorge Messi. In a strongly worded official statement released to ESPN, the family confirmed that the 68-year-old is undergoing medical treatment but strongly condemned the wave of "irresponsible" media speculation and baseless rumors - false internet claims regarding his death - that have circulated during the early stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Seeking to provide clarity while protecting their private life, the family gave a positive update on Jorge’s ongoing recovery under professional care:
“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health-related situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition.
Also Read |IND vs ENG ODIs: Virat Kohli To Return Soon? Latest Injury Update
"Given the versions, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly privat…
Lionel Messi's father undergoing treatment - NBC Los Angeles
Lionel Messi's father undergoing treatment - NBC Los Angeles
2026 World Cup
Lionel Messi's family pleads for ‘humanity' as his father undergoes treatment
The family did not specify the illness that the 68-year-old Jorge Messi is suffering from.
By Debora Rey | Associated Press
•
Published 40 minutes ago
•
Updated 17 minutes ago
BOOKMARKER
NBC Universal, Inc.
Lionel Messi did not disappoint in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup.
Lionel Messi's
father is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and his family asked the media for “humanity” on Thursday amid rumors about Jorge Messi's health while his son competes at the
World Cup
.
“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement.
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The family did not specify the illness that the 68-year-old Jorge Messi is suffering from.
“He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the statement said.
Messi said after
Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria
in the team's opening World Cup match that he was going through a difficult personal situ…
Lionel Messi's dad health update: Family responds to 'discomforting ...
Lionel Messi's dad health update: Family responds to 'discomforting ...
Joe Wright
Jay Biggerstaff, Imagn Images
Lionel Messi began his 2026World Cupwith a sensational hat-trick in Argentina's opening Group J game against Algeria.
However, it was not only the three exceptional goals in the 3-0 victory for the defending champions that created headlines.
Messi was visibly emotional after scoring his first goal in Kansas City and later explained that it was a reaction to "some difficult days" that were "completely unrelated to football". Following these comments, rumors began to circulate that Messi's father, Jorge, was suffering from ill health, which had been preying on the player's mind.
On June 18, Messi's family released a statement to clarify the situation and express "deep displeasure" at the nature of some of the reports. Here is what we know.
2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news|Full World Cup schedule|Buy World Cup tickets
On Thursday, June 18, the Messi family published a statement in which they confirmed that Jorge Messi has been receiving treatment for a health issue.
The statement, which was issued to media outlets includingESPN, said: "[Jorge Messi] is curre…
Lionel Messi crying health concern hat trick opener - Total Pro Sports
Lionel Messi crying health concern hat trick opener - Total Pro Sports
Lionel Messi. Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Why Was Lionel Messi Crying? Heartbreaking Health Concern Revealed After Argentina Star’s Hat-Trick In World Cup Opener
June 17, 2026, 1:58pm EST
•
By
Orlando Silva
He’s going through a tough situation.
Lionel Messi
delivered a stunning performance for Argentina in their 2026
World Cup
opener against Algeria. He scored a hat-trick to secure a 3-0 victory and equaled the all-time World Cup goal record. Fans watched in awe as Lionel Messi celebrated with visible emotion and tears after his first goal.
The Argentine captain later explained that his tears stemmed from personal struggles unrelated to football. He described the past few days as
difficult and complicated
.
“Honestly, it is something completely unrelated to sport,
“
he said.
“It has been a difficult, complicated few days.”
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Lionel Messi Worries About Father’s Health
Lionel Messi (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Insiders revealed that Lionel Messi feels deeply concerned about his father Jorge’s serious health condition. Jorge Messi, aged 68, has…
2026 World Cup: Argentina Presenter Quits on Live TV After False ...
2026 World Cup: Argentina Presenter Quits on Live TV After False ...
Argentine TV presenter Florencia Pena resigned after falsely claiming Lionel Messi's father had died
The Messi family later confirmed Jorge Messi is dealing with a health issue but is recovering under medical supervision
Messi is leading Argentina’s quest to defend their World Cup title they won in 2022
Find it fast with our new search feature at Legit.ng!
An Argentine
television
presenter has resigned from her role after making a false claim about Lionel Messi's father during a live World Cup broadcast, triggering widespread criticism and forcing both the broadcaster and the Messi family to respond.
Florencia Pena stepped down from Luzu TV after incorrectly announcing that Jorge Messi, the father of the Argentina captain, had died.
An Argentinian presenter has stepped down after sharing false reports that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had died while speaking live on TV. Photo by Omar Vega
Source: Getty Images
According to
The Mirror
, the statement came shortly after
Lionel Messi
appeared emotional during Argentina's World Cup match against Algeria, where the football legend scored the first of his three goals.
…
Reason for Lionel Messi's tears revealed: Father's health battle leaves ...
Reason for Lionel Messi's tears revealed: Father's health battle leaves ...
Lionel Messiwas left in tears after scoring his first goal en route to a historic hat-trick in Argentina'sFIFA World Cup2026 opener against Algeria on Tuesday night in Kansas City. Given the emotional weight surrounding what is expected to be his final World Cup, many initially assumed the tears were linked to the occasion itself. Messi later admitted the moment carried deep personal significance, but stopped short of revealing the reason.
A fresh report has now shed light on what was behind the emotional scenes.
According to Argentine radio station Radio Mitre, the most-listened-to broadcaster in the country, Messi's tears were triggered by a serious health concern involving his father, Jorge Messi. The 68-year-old, who is not only Messi's father but also his long-time agent and business manager, has reportedly been battling health issues for several months.
ALSO READ:Messi's last dance, Mbappe's coronation bid: World Cup 2026 sets stage for football's ultimate trilogy finale
The report claims Jorge's condition worsened during the week leading up to Argentina's World Cup opener, leaving Messi emotiona…
New claim about Jorge Messi’s health reframes Lionel Messi’s World Cup Tears
New claim about Jorge Messi’s health reframes Lionel Messi’s World Cup Tears
Lionel Messi revealed that his emotional reaction after Argentina’s World Cup win was unrelated to football. According to comments made by journalist Eduardo Feinmann on Radio Mitre, concerns about the health of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, may have been behind the tears. Despite the personal situation, Messi starred in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.
Lionel Messi's family pleads for 'humanity' as the ... - The Spec
Lionel Messi's family pleads for 'humanity' as the ... - The Spec
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Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring his third goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Algeria in Kansas City, Mo., Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
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By
Débora Rey The Associated Press
DALLAS (AP) — Lionel Messi’s father is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and his family asked the media for “humanity” on Thursday amid rumors about Jorge Messi’s health while his son competes at the World Cup.
The family did not specify the illness that the 68-year-old Jorge Messi is suffering from.
“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition.”
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The 39-year-old Messi said …
Corroboration
No verdict, no pronouncement. The model extracts atomic factual claims with verbatim quotes; every quote is validated against the source text and corroboration is computed by counting how many editorially-opposed blocs assert each fact. 4 fabricated/unverifiable quotes were rejected by the cite-or-die gate.
The spine · 0 facts corroborated across ≥2 opposed blocs
No fact in this cluster crossed two opposed editorial blocs. The facts below are reported, but not (yet) independently corroborated across the divide.
Single-source · 5 — reported by one bloc only (uncorroborated)
Lionel Messi's emotional reaction after Argentina’s World Cup win was related to concerns about the health of his father, Jorge Messi.
timesofindia
A radio host inadvertently reported that Jorge Messi had died.
dailymail.com
Jorge Messi is recovering favorably back in Argentina.
dailymail.com
False rumors of Jorge Messi’s death were shared online.
dailymail.com
Lionel Messi starred in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.
timesofindia
Framing · 6 — loaded language surfaced (spin shown, not adopted)
timesofindia
“New claim about Jorge Messi’s health reframes Lionel Messi’s World Cup Tears”
→ A new claim about Jorge Messi’s health is being presented as an explanation for Lionel Messi’s emotional reaction during the World Cup.
timesofindia
“may have been behind the tears”
→ Concerns about Jorge Messi’s health are suggested as a possible cause of Lionel Messi’s tears.
dailymail.com
“forced to speak out”
→ Lionel Messi and his family have responded to false rumors about Jorge Messi’s health.
dailymail.com
“false information spread like wildfire”
→ False rumors about Jorge Messi’s death circulated rapidly on social media.
dailymail.com
“I don't want to break bad news”
→ Florencia Pena used a phrase that implies the report of death was serious and sensitive.
dailymail.com
“right in the middle of the World Cup, he's going to have to leave”
→ Florencia Pena suggested Jorge Messi’s death would force Lionel Messi to withdraw from the tournament.
Entities
AP Newsorg
Lionel Messiperson
Argentinaplace
fatherperson
familyorg
Jorgeperson
Total Pro Sportsorg
TV presenterperson