18/06/2026 15:04 - Deportes
Un estadio de fútbol con atmósfera de partido mundialista, gradas llenas de hinchas con banderas argentinas, ambiente emotivo y deportivo
Lionel Messi's hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup 2026 opener against Algeria was marked by an image that moved fans worldwide: the captain's tears after scoring his first goal at Kansas City Stadium. Far from being just sporting emotion, behind that moment lies a delicate family situation that the footballer himself referred to as "difficult days."
In a television interview, Dr. Guillermo Capuya addressed the health status of Jorge Messi, father of the Argentine National Team captain. The medical professional confirmed he knows the clinical condition but chose to keep it confidential out of respect for the family.
"I know perfectly well what the father has, but I shelter myself in medical confidentiality out of respect for the family. I cannot say what he has, nor can I speak about severity—we have medical confidentiality.",
— Dr. Guillermo Capuya
Capuya also explained how distance amplifies emotional suffering when a loved one faces health problems: "When you're far away and your father, mother, or a loved one is separated from you, you feel more anguish because you cannot accompany that person in a difficult moment."
Jorge Messi is not just Lionel's father—he has been his manager and closest advisor throughout his entire career. Born in Rosario, Argentina, Jorge has been the central figure in all of Lionel's major career decisions, from his early days at FC Barcelona to his move to Inter Miami. His influence extends beyond family ties into every aspect of the star's professional life.
One image caught everyone's attention: the absence of Jorge and Celia Messi in the Kansas City stadium stands. Capuya noted that this influences Lionel emotionally: "As a son, accustomed to having a person always accompany you, you look at the stands after 20 years of playing World Cups and those two people who are central in your life are not there."
The doctor highlighted, however, the Argentine captain's professional ability to separate his personal situation from his athletic performance. Despite the complex emotional context, Messi played an extraordinary match, scoring three goals and equaling Miroslav Klose's historic record (16 goals in World Cups).
In Argentine culture, family presence at important events is deeply significant. The Selección Argentina (Argentina National Team) has always had the players' families as visible supporters in the stands, making the parents' absence particularly noteworthy and emotionally charged for Lionel Messi.
| Date: | June 16, 2026 |
| Venue: | Kansas City Stadium |
| Result: | Argentina 3 - Algeria 0 |
| Goals: | Messi (16', 59', 75') |
| Record: | 16 World Cup goals (equaled Klose) |
| Milestone: | 200th cap with National Team |
Antonela Roccuzzo accompanied Messi from the stands and posted an emotional message on Instagram after the match: "How I love you", to which Lionel replied "I love you" ("Los amo" in Spanish, plural to include their children).
The footballer's wife has been a fundamental pillar during this difficult time for the family, providing emotional support while Messi fulfills his sporting commitments in the World Cup. The couple has three sons together: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.
Capuya concluded his analysis by highlighting the family nucleus's strength: "The Messis are a very united family", he explained when referring to the strong emotional impact the situation generates in the Argentine captain's life.
Argentina's next match will be on June 22, 2026 against Austria in Dallas, where coach Scaloni's team will look to secure their qualification to the next round of Group J.
About the 2026 World Cup: This tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—the first time the World Cup has three host nations. Matches are being played across multiple cities, with Argentina playing their group stage games in various American venues including Kansas City and Dallas.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
