A false rumour about the death of Leo Messi's father shakes Argentina

Leo Messi's family confirmed this Thursday that Jorge Messi, the Argentine footballer's father, is admitted to the hospital for a health problem about which no details have been disclosed. In a statement, the family environment indicated that he is “under medical supervision, recovering and evolving favorably within the context he presents —it details—. At this time he is under medical supervision, recovering and evolving favorably within the context he presents,” the family said in the same statement, in which they also assured that his condition is evolving favorably under medical control.

They ask for "respect and privacy"

The Messi family has taken advantage of the statement to express their “deep unease” about the rumors and speculations that have circulated in recent hours regarding Jorge Messi's health status and has denounced the “lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion” with which a strictly private matter has been handled. The controversy erupted after Leo Messi explained that he was going through “difficult days” after Argentina's debut in the World Cup, statements that fueled all sorts of speculation, including the false rumor about his father's death, which the family has denied.

In the same statement, the family members have asked for “responsibility, prudence, and humanity” and have stressed that only the family's official channels have truthful information about his health status. They have also thanked the expressions of support received in recent hours.

The situation has generated a huge wave of reactions in Argentina. Even the country's president, Javier Milei, has condemned the spread of rumors. Shortly after, the channel LuzuTV announced internal measures and fired several managers, while presenter Florencia Peña has temporarily stepped aside following the controversy.