Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, has been hospitalized due to a health issue and is 'evolving favorably,' his family said in a statement.

The family stated on Thursday that Jorge was 'under medical follow-up' and asked for privacy. They did not specify the nature of the health issue.

Speculation about Jorge's health intensified after Lionel wiped away tears with his shirt after scoring Argentina's first goal against Algeria at the World Cup last Tuesday. 'My tears after the first goal? I've had some tough days. It wasn't related to football. And those feelings were because of that,' Messi said.

The family statement was released on the same day reports of Jorge's death circulated in Argentina. 'At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity. A person's health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest,' the family said.

Jorge Messi played a key role in his son's career, acting as his agent and managing his business affairs. He accompanied the young Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s for a tryout at La Masia, the club's youth academy.

He also negotiated Messi's contracts with Barcelona and his transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while managing his son's image rights and several investments in real estate, hotels, and restaurants.

In 2016, Messi and his father were convicted in Spain on tax evasion charges but avoided prison time because the sentence was less than two years.

While Messi is with his teammates at Argentina's base camp in Kansas City awaiting their second group match against Austria on Monday in Dallas, his family expressed their 'sincere gratitude for the outpouring of affection, respect and concern received.'

Source: www.aljazeera.com