Overview
- The Messi family issued an official statement saying Jorge Horacio Messi is facing a health problem, is hospitalized under medical observation and is responding positively to treatment.
- Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann reported that Jorge suffered a malore at home and was taken to hospital for cardiovascular and neurological exams.
- Lionel Messi was seen visibly emotional after Argentina’s match, and reporters linked his reaction to concern for his father.
- Luzu TV presenter Florencia Peña announced on air that Jorge had died, a claim the program later retracted; the production team and Peña acknowledged the error and Peña self‑suspended.
- The family’s plea for sensitivity and for all updates to come only from close relatives has renewed criticism of live verification practices and raised questions about the impact of media mistakes on the player and his family during the World Cup.