BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AFP) — Lionel Messi’s father is recovering from an unspecified “health issue”, the Argentina star’s family said Thursday, appealing for privacy after a flurry of recent media reports.

Speculation over the health of 68-year-old Jorge Messi has intensified after Argentina skipper Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals in a 3-0 World Cup victory over Algeria on Tuesday.

“(Jorge Messi) is currently under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably given his condition,” Messi’s family said in a statement on Thursday, without giving details of the illness.

Messi alluded to his personal situation on Tuesday about his emotional response to his goal against Algeria.

“It was a matter unrelated to sports. I went through some difficult and complicated days,” the Argentine star told reporters.

Jorge Messi serves as his son’s agent and is one of his key sources of support.

He has accompanied him throughout his career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and now Inter Miami, as well as during his international career with Argentina.

In the statement, Messi’s family registered its “deep distress regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private family matter”.

“We ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention,” the statement said.