Jorge Messi receiving treatment as Lionel breaks World Cup record

Messi opens up about his father's health

Jorge Messi is undergoing medical treatment, and the family has publicly denied rumors circulating online that he had died (1) (4) (5). Lionel Messi addressed it directly after Argentina's opener: "I've been through some difficult and complicated days, but I'm grateful to the whole delegation, to all my teammates, because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to get through this" (1). The family says Jorge is progressing well (5).

Messi hat-trick sinks Algeria, breaks World Cup record

Argentina beat Algeria in the Group J opener on Wednesday, and Messi scored all three goals (2) (4) (5) (7). The hat-trick takes him to 16 World Cup goals, tying Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time top scorer (2) (5). Cameras caught Messi in tears during the match, the emotional weight of his father's situation spilling onto the pitch (4) (7). He was back in training Thursday, laughing through keepy-uppy drills with the squad (2).

Fan-reaktioner

Reddit has been supportive rather than speculative. Most fans are calling for respect, the top thread on r/soccer focuses on the family's official statement confirming Jorge's health issue, with comments pushing back against the death hoax that circulated before the Algeria match. Read the thread.