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The Family Statement on Jorge Messi's HealthLionel Messi's father is recovering from a health issue and "evolving favourably", his family said in a statement. The family said on Thursday that Jorge was "under medical follow-up" and asked for privacy. It did not specify the nature of the health issue.Speculation and Emotional World Cup MomentSpeculation about the health of Jorge intensified after Lionel wiped away tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria at the World Cup. "My tears after the first goal? I've had some tough days. It wasn't related to football. And those feelings were because of that," Messi said. "I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me."Death Reports and Family ResponseThe family statement, released by Messi's media office, came on the same day that reports of Jorge's death circulated in Argentina. "At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity," the family said. "A person's health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest."Jorge Messi's Role in His Son's CareerJorge Messi played a key role in his son's career, acting as his agent and managing his business affairs off the field. He accompanied the young Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s for a tryout at La Masia, the Spanish club's youth academy. His father also negotiated Messi's contracts with Barcelona and then his transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while also managing his son's image rights and several investments in real estate, hotels and restaurants.Legal HistoryIn 2016, Messi and his father were convicted in Spain on tax evasion charges but avoided prison time because the sentence was less than two years.Argentina's World Cup ContinuesWhile Messi is with his teammates at Argentina's base camp in Kansas City awaiting their second group match against Austria on Monday in Dallas, his family expressed their "sincere gratitude for the outpouring of affection, respect and concern received." "We request that the privacy and confidentiality of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process," the statement said. Argentina will continue their title defence with a Group J game against Austria on Monday.

The LeadLionel Messi's family has confirmed that his father, Jorge Messi, is receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness while the football star competes at the World Cup. The family released a statement asking the media for 'humanity' and 'responsibility' amid rumors about Jorge Messi's health.The Medical SituationJorge Messi, aged 68, is currently under medical observation with his family reporting that he is 'recovering and progressing favourably within his current condition.' The statement did not specify the exact nature of the illness, only that it is a 'health situation' requiring medical attention.The Media ResponseThe family's statement came in response to media speculation and reports circulating in Argentina suggesting that Jorge Messi had passed away. The Messi family, through their official media office, emphasized that 'a person's health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest.'The World Cup ContextMessi himself alluded to a difficult personal situation following Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening World Cup match. While he did not elaborate at the time, the family's statement now provides context for his comments. The timing of the health issue coincides with the crucial tournament where Argentina is competing.The Privacy Plea'At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity,' the family statement read. They indicated that any further developments regarding Jorge Messi's condition would be communicated directly by the family, asking the public and media to respect their privacy during this challenging time.