Lionel Messi's family confirms father experiencing health-related issue

As Argentina legend Lionel Messi makes history at the World Cup, his father is experiencing a "health situation" that prompted family members to release a statement Thursday.

Jorge Messi is "under medical supervision" as he continues to recover from a medical condition that was not revealed. The family statement said he is "progressing favorably."

Speculation about the star player's 68-year-old father, Jorge, prompted a terse tone in the family statement.

"In light of the versions, rumors and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express their profound discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some individuals have treated a strictly private and family matter," the statement read.

"The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest relatives have real and accurate information regarding Jorge's condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful."

Jorge Messi reportedly is involved in overseeing his son's business interests.

In the opener of his record sixth World Cup, Messi was brought to tears over his three-goal performance in a 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday. His first ever World Cup hat trick gave him 16 goals all-time in the tournament, tying Germany's Miroslav Klose for the record.

He was asked about wiping away tears in the wake of the performance.

"Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days," Messi said in Spanish after the game.

Argentina's second match in Group J is against Austria on Monday at Arlington, Texas.

The complete Messi family statement:

The Messi family announces that Jorge is going through a health situation.

At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably given his current condition.

In light of the versions, rumors and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express their profound discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some individuals have treated a strictly private and family matter.

The family also wishes to clarify that only their closest family members have real and accurate information about Jorge's condition. Therefore, any version, statement or information that does not come from the family itself and their corresponding channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity. A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.

We sincerely thank everyone for the expressions of affection, respect and concern received, and we ask that Jorge's privacy, confidentiality and intimacy - and that of his entire family - be preserved during this process.

Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and the corresponding channels.

Thank you for your understanding.

--Field Level Media