Scaloni addresses Messi's father's health, says team is 'fine'

Lionel Scaloni, the coach of Argentina's national football team, has firmly shut down speculation regarding the health of Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi. Recent days saw widespread rumors, with some outlets reporting the worst.

However, the Messi family clarified the situation through a statement, and within the Argentine team's camp, spirits remain high. Scaloni, speaking with a serious tone at a press conference, stated, "We are fine, little more to add. We are fine and ready to face tomorrow's match." He later requested that the topic not be discussed further.

Scaloni reiterated that Lionel Messi is well and feels the support of the entire group during the 2026 World Cup. "We believe the group is what saves situations, we are aware that next to a friend, it is always better to live through everything, good and bad. That is what we feel and he feels it too, for what he has said. I prefer not to talk about this topic anymore, but we are fine," he asserted.

The Argentine squad is set to face Austria in their second group stage match of the 2026 World Cup on June 24th, with both teams aiming for a second consecutive win. The coach also briefly touched upon Messi's upcoming 39th birthday during the tournament, responding to a question about wishes with a lighthearted, "That he is always happy... isn't that what you want to hear?"