New Delhi, June 19 -- Lionel Messi's father is undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and his family asked the media for "humanity" on Thursday amid rumors about Jorge Messi's health while his son competes at the World Cup.

The family did not specify the illness that the 68-year-old Jorge Messi is suffering from.

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

The 38-year-old Messi said after Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in the team's opening World Cup match that he was going through a difficult personal situation. He was very emotional after scoring the first of his...