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.