Normal view

Before yesterdayCaughtOffside

Lionel Messi’s family release statement amid rumours about father’s health

18 June 2026 at 21:47

The family of Lionel Messi have put out an official statement in response to growing speculation about his father Jorge’s health.

The statement has confirmed that Messi’s dad has been experiencing some health troubles, though he is now seemingly recovering well.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

They have not gone into any specific details, as one would expect, but it’s clear that the Messi family were keen to end the speculation and gossip about the situation, which must make an already unpleasant experience a great deal more stressful.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Messi family statement in full

“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.

“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing.

“In light of the reports, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some individuals have treated a strictly private family matter.

“The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.

“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 attention.

“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that Jorge’s privacy, confidentiality, and personal space—as well as that of his entire family—be respected throughout this process.

“Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and through the appropriate channels.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Messi’s tears during World Cup win

Messi has started the 2026 World Cup on fire with a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening game against Algeria.

However, as quoted by BBC Sport, the former Barcelona forward explained why he was tearful during the game as he admitted he was being affected by something away from football.

When asked about it after the game, he said: “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football.

“I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my team-mates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it.”

One imagines this was related to his father’s health, now that more information about the matter has come to light.

The 38-year-old continues to perform at an extraordinary level on the pitch and he’ll be looking to help Argentina retain the World Cup after their win in Qatar four years ago.

The post Lionel Messi’s family release statement amid rumours about father’s health appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“We’re very similar” – Lionel Messi makes comparison with tennis legend

17 June 2026 at 15:35

Lionel Messi announced his presence at the 2026 World Cup in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, scoring all three goals in their win over Algeria. The 38-year-old scored his first ever hat-trick at the World Cup for Argentina, in a masterclass that will live long in the memory. There had been some doubt about Messi’s level, after several seasons in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, and some injury issues during that time. Messi himself had expressed uncertainty that he would even make the tournament last year, but against Algeria he appeared to dispel all doubts. It remains to be seen how he will hold up physically as the tournament goes on.

Messi believes he is ‘very similar’ to Nadal

Messi celebrates against Algeria.
Image via Seleccion Argentina. Messi celebrates against Algeria.

Following the game, Messi spoke to the press in the mix zone. He revealed that he and his Argentina teammates are currently watching RAFA, a new biopic on the career of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. “I love playing football, it’s been my passion since I was little and when I’m feeling good I give it my all. We’re watching Rafa Nadal’s series right now and I identify with him a lot, I think we’re very similar in that sense, that I always want to give my all and I want to feel good and I enjoy it that way. As long as I can and am well enough to do it, we’ll be there,” quote MD.

Can Messi lead Argentina back to glory?

Lionel Messi celebrates scoring for Argentina against Algeria
Lionel Messi celebrates scoring for Argentina against Algeria (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni may be pleased that the Albiceleste do not face any of the heavyweights in the group stage, allowing them to grow into the tournament. Certainly their midfield looked in fine fettle, and with Messi in that form, they will be a handful for any side. Perhaps the biggest question mark will be the pace of this Argentina side, who are relying on Giuliano Simeone to provide some of Angel di Maria’s runs in behind, although there is no substitute for the latter’s quality.

The post “We’re very similar” – Lionel Messi makes comparison with tennis legend appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Video: Lionel Messi’s superb solo goal that made World Cup history – and perhaps settled GOAT debate for good

17 June 2026 at 09:27

Lionel Messi scored his 16th World Cup goal in some style as his hat-trick gave Argentina a 3-0 win over Algeria last night.

The 38-year-old is now level with legendary Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading goal-scorer, and you’d very much assume he’s going to break that record as there will still be so many more opportunities to do so at this year’s tournament.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Watch below as Messi scored in typical Messi style to seal his hat-trick and his place in the World Cup history books in a dream start to this year’s competition for holders Argentina

INCREDIBLE ?

Lionel Messi strikes from distance and completes his hat-trick! pic.twitter.com/ZtSoFhPbS5

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2026

Messi, playing at his sixth World Cup, is now on a record-equalling 16 goals in the tournament, and you have to wonder if this might even go a step further to settling the GOAT (greatest of all time) debate between himself and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup

The Messi-Ronaldo debate has gone on for much of the last decade or more now, but the fact that Messi won the 2022 World Cup, scoring twice in that final victory over France, will have been decisive for some.

The fact that Messi is now also joint top as the all-time record scorer at the World Cup, scoring double the amount that his Portuguese nemesis has at this level, is another big argument in his favour.

World Cup top scorers Goals Games
Lionel Messi 16 27
Miroslav Klose 16 24
Ronaldo 15 19
Gerd Muller 14 13
Kylian Mbappe 14 15
Just Fontaine 13 6
Pele 12 14

Ronaldo, of course, is still playing at this year’s World Cup, so can do his best to catch up with Messi, but it’s hard to imagine he stands much of a chance of meaningfully catching up.

Interestingly for Messi, though, he may have another major rival to watch out for as Kylian Mbappe is only two World Cup goals behind him, having scored twice for France in their win over Senegal yesterday.

The post Video: Lionel Messi’s superb solo goal that made World Cup history – and perhaps settled GOAT debate for good appeared first on CaughtOffside.

World Cup Golden Boot contenders – Can Kane see off Mbappe for the top scorer prize?

16 June 2026 at 11:57

The World Cup 2026 has officially kicked off now, and soon we’ll see some of the top Golden Boot contenders like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe in action.

Mbappe won the top scorer prize at the 2022 World Cup, scoring eight times, including a hat-trick in France’s final defeat to Argentina.

Four years before that, Kane was the winner as he scored six goals, but could we still see veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in contention?

See below for a list of the top ten contenders for the World Cup Golden Boot as the bookies have picked the most likely candidates, with some money to be made if you use a Fanduel promo code

Kylian Mbappe – 6/1

Mbappe had another prolific season with Real Madrid, even if his goals didn’t help his club to glory. Playing alongside such a world class pool of talents in this France squad, though, it’s hard not to see Mbappe getting a very good opportunity to both win the World Cup and the Golden Boot this summer.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Harry Kane – 7/1

A lethal striker showing no sign of slowing down with age, Kane is probably England’s most important player, so seems a decent shout for the Golden Boot, even if Thomas Tuchel’s squad as a whole is arguably not looking quite as strong as recent tournaments.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 10/1

Not the biggest name or best striker on this list, but Mikel Oyarzabal has shown he can do the job up front for Spain, who will be seen as another of the favourites to win the tournament this summer.

Erling Haaland 16/1

Norway will be an interesting dark horse to watch this summer, precisely because of the threat of Erling Haaland up front. The Manchester City striker had a prolific qualifying campaign, scoring a remarkable 16 goals, and finding the back of the net in every game on their way to the World Cup. Surely decent odds for the Golden Boot?

Lionel Messi – 16/1

Not the goal machine he once was, but underestimate Lionel Messi at your peril.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 20/1

Now 41 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo will be like a man possessed at what will surely be his last chance to win the World Cup, so could that see him really step up and scoop the top scorer prize?

Julian Alvarez – 20/1

Aside from Messi, Julian Alvarez could be the main goal threat to watch out for in this Argentina squad after two prolific seasons with Atletico Madrid.

Kai Havertz – 22/1

Not exactly an out-and-out striker, but Kai Havertz is Mr Reliable for both Arsenal and Germany, plus he missed so much of the season just gone due to injury that he’s actually had more rest than most of the other players at this tournament.

Want more CaughtOffside coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust

Lamine Yamal – 25/1

The undisputed gem in this Spain side, could we about to see Lamine Yamal enjoy a memorable first World Cup? He’s more of a creator than a goal-scorer, but these look like tempting odds.

Raphinha – 28/1

Finally, one of the most prolific goal-scoring wingers in the game right now, Raphinha will surely be one to watch if Brazil have a good tournament.

The post World Cup Golden Boot contenders – Can Kane see off Mbappe for the top scorer prize? appeared first on CaughtOffside.

❌
❌