Messi Family Clarifies Health
Messi Family Confirms Father Jorge Stable, Counters Widespread Death Rumors
Key Points
The family noted Jorge Messi is 68 years old and said he was “stable,” under “medical observation/appropriate medical supervision,” and “progressing well within [his] clinical framework,” while keeping the specific illness undisclosed.
Lionel Messi elaborated that after crying “it wasn’t related to soccer,” and he added: “I thank the whole delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength,” also thanking the coaching staff/delegation for support.
Multiple reports of Jorge Messi’s death circulated—so the family issued the clarification to counter “false reports,” with one account saying the family’s press release was distributed the same day those unverified death claims began spreading.
Jorge Messi is described as having been a central figure in Lionel Messi’s career beyond the pitch—longtime representative/manager handling commercial ventures, including traveling with a young Lionel to Spain for an early Barcelona youth academy (La Masia) trial in the early 2000s, and later brokering his contract.
The family of Lionel Messi confirmed on June 18 that his father, Jorge Messi, 68, is stable and under medical supervision for an undisclosed illness, according to Fox Sports. The statement came the same day false reports of Jorge's death began spreading on social media, with one journalist broadcasting the unverified claim live on Luzu TV before being fired.
Lionel Messi had already hinted at personal turmoil. After crying during Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria — in which he scored a hat-trick — he told reporters the tears were "something completely unrelated to football," Newsweek reported. He added: "I thank the whole delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength."
Family Statement Fires Back at False Death Reports
The Messi family released an official statement through Lionel's media office on June 18, between 3:00 and 4:00 PM EDT, Hola reported. It described Jorge as "under medical supervision, recovering and evolving favorably" within his "clinical framework." The family did not name the illness. They said only Jorge's closest relatives have accurate information.
The statement directly targeted those who spread unverified claims. The family said they felt "deep discomfort" over the "lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples" shown by certain individuals, according to Mundo Deportivo. They asked media and public figures to stop speculating. They said all future updates would come through official channels only.
Journalist Fired After Broadcasting Jorge Messi Death Claim Live
The misinformation spread fast. On the morning of June 18, influencer and journalist Florencia Pena reported Jorge Messi's "passing" during a live broadcast on Luzu TV, according to the Zamin report citing Tribuna.com. The claim was false. By midnight on June 19, Luzu TV confirmed it had fired Pena over the inaccurate report.
Argentinian radio outlet Cadena 3 had also described the situation as "critical" or "fatal" before the family's statement was released. The contrast was stark. While social media painted a dire picture, the family used calm, clinical language — "stable," "evolving favorably" — to push back against the panic, Newsweek noted.
Jorge Messi Built Lionel's Career From La Masia to Inter Miami
Jorge Messi is far more than Lionel's father. He has been his son's agent and manager since the early 2000s. He famously traveled with a young Lionel to Spain to secure a youth trial at Barcelona's La Masia academy, according to Fox Sports. He later brokered every major contract, including deals at PSG and Inter Miami.
Jorge has attended nearly every match of his son's career. His absence from the 2026 World Cup — or his condition behind the scenes — would carry enormous emotional weight for Lionel. The Argentine squad has reportedly closed ranks around their captain, with AFA staff setting up private communication lines for Messi while in Kansas City, Hola reported.
Messi Scores Hat-Trick at Record 200th Cap Despite Personal Crisis
None of this stopped Messi on the pitch. Against Algeria on June 16, he scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win at Kansas City Stadium. It was his 200th international appearance for Argentina, according to Newsweek. The goals tied him with Miroslav Klose on 16 career World Cup goals — the all-time record. It was Messi's sixth World Cup, itself a FIFA record.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni called Messi "incredible" and urged the world to simply enjoy watching him. Messi, who turns 39 on June 24, is expected to start Argentina's next Group J match against Austria in Dallas. The family's statement made clear he will stay with the squad as long as Jorge's progress remains favorable, Mundo Deportivo reported.
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