The family of Argentine football star Lionel Messi has confirmed that his father, Jorge Messi, is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and appealed for privacy and responsible reporting amid widespread speculation about his health.

In a statement released Thursday through Messi’s media office, the family said the 68-year-old is under medical observation and is making positive progress.

“Jorge is going through a health situation. He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the statement said.

The family did not disclose the nature of the illness but issued the statement after false reports of Jorge Messi’s death circulated in Argentina.

“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity,” the statement said, urging the media and public not to speculate about personal health matters.

The development came after Lionel Messi appeared emotional during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening World Cup match. The 39-year-old forward scored the first of his three goals and later revealed he had been dealing with personal difficulties unrelated to football.

“I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to soccer,” Messi said after the match, thanking his teammates, coaching staff and delegation for their support.

Jorge Messi has played a central role throughout his son’s career, serving as his agent and overseeing his business affairs. He accompanied Lionel Messi to Barcelona as a youngster and later negotiated his contracts with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while also managing his image rights and business investments.

In 2016, Lionel Messi and his father were convicted in Spain on tax evasion charges, though neither served prison time because the sentences were less than two years.

Lionel Messi is currently with Argentina’s squad at its World Cup base in Kansas City ahead of the team’s second group-stage match against Austria in Dallas on Monday.

The family thanked supporters for their concern and requested that Jorge Messi’s privacy and that of the entire family be respected during his recovery.