Lionel Messi's father health rumors prompt family statement and presidential condemnation

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, false reports claimed the death of Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, after the Argentine captain scored a hat‑trick against Algeria. The family quickly issued a statement confirming that Jorge is suffering a serious but improving health condition and urged the media and public to respect their privacy.

Messi later explained that his tears after the goal were due to personal matters, not the on‑field result. Argentine President Javier Milei responded to the misinformation by sharply criticizing the television channel Luzu TV and presenter Florencia Bienia, calling the outlet “trash media.” He announced the dismissal of the staff involved, and the channel subsequently lost ten sponsors.

Both articles stress the family’s request for privacy, the spread of unverified rumors, and the political backlash against the media outlet that broadcast the false report.