Editor's note:Follow all World Cup games live
Lionel Messi's family confirmed that the star's father Jorge is going through a health-related issue but slammed inaccurate reports about Jorge's health and asked for their privacy to be respected.
Visit sportbet.rodeo for more information.
"The Messi family informs that Jorge is going through a health-related situation," the statement began. "At this time, he is under medical care, recovering and evolving favorably giving the condition he is experiencing.
"With respect to the versions, rumors and speculations that have circulated in the last hours, the family wants to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and care with which some people have treated a strictly private and family situation."
Florencia Peña, an Argentine actress and model who also works as a TV host, had said Thursday morning on Luzu TV's "The Summer Show" that Messi's father had died. Later in the program, an on-screen producer informed the host that she appeared to have been misled by "fake news" and that no major outlet was reporting that Jorge had died.
"The family would like to clarify that only its closest family members will have real and precise information about Jorge’s status. That’s why any version, quote or information that doesn’t come from the family itself and its corresponding channels shouldn’t be considered valid or accurate," the statement continued. "In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity.
"The health of a person and the peace of those close to him shouldn’t be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest."
Why did Lionel Messi get emotional after scoring his first World Cup goal?
The difficult moment for the family may explain why Messi looked to have tears coming to his eyes after he scored his first of three goals against Algeria to open the World Cup.
His manager, Lionel Scaloni, also looked to be fighting back tears as he substituted Messi off after the hat trick. The coach hugged Messi, and many TV viewers who tried to read the coach's lips believe he told Messi, he loved him as the star headed to the bench.
Argentina's second group match is June 22 against Austria.
What did the Messi family's full statement say?
"The Messi family informs that Jorge is going through a health-related situation.
"At this time, he is under medical care, recovering and evolving favorably giving the condition he is experiencing.
"With respect to the versions, rumors and speculations that have circulated in the last hours, the family wants to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and care with which some people have treated a strictly private and family situation.
"Additionally, the family would like to clarify that only its closest family members will have real and precise information about Jorge’s status. That’s why any version, quote or information that doesn’t come from the family itself and its official channels shouldn’t be considered valid or accurate.
"In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity. The health of a person and the peace of those close to him shouldn’t be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.
"We sincerely thank the shows of affection, respect and concern we’ve received and we ask for the privacy, confidentiality and intimacy of Jorge and all his family be preserved during this time.
"Any relevant update will be communicated at the appropriate time by the family and by the official channels.
"Thank you for your understanding."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Messi's family confirms player's father Jorge has health situation