Unknown individuals broke into the office of Dr. Norberto Bernardo, the urologist of Lionel Messi's father, located in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, and stole computers and other equipment before last Sunday's final against England on the 17th of this month.
Bernardo is one of the most renowned urologists in Argentina and Latin America, an international reference in modern urology, robotic surgery and minimally invasive techniques.
The computers may have contained data belonging to his patients. It is not known whether those of Messi's father were among them, judicial sources told Clarín. Nor is it known at the Comodoro Py courts whether this was an attempt to steal personal data or to steal the computer equipment itself. The Argentine Center of Urology, which Bernardo directs, is located at 1471 José E. Uriburu Street in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
Under a secrecy order, the federal justice system at Comodoro Py ordered the Federal Police to conduct raids last week at the homes of suspects in search of the stolen computers and other equipment, with negative results.
However, two suspects are set to testify after the judicial recess, which ends at the end of the month.
Bernardo was a pioneer in incorporating cutting-edge procedures such as laser prostate enucleation (HoLEP) and robotic surgery, contributing decisively to raising the standards of urology in the country.
Clarín contacted Dr. Bernardo's secretary to consult him — he is traveling — but had received no response by the time this edition went to press.
Messi returned last Wednesday from the United States with his family and traveled to Rosario, where he visited his father.
Background
On June 18, Lionel Messi's family issued a press release detailing the health status of his father Jorge, 68 years old.
The captain of the Argentine national team had previously revealed, after the hat-trick against Algeria, that his emotion after scoring the first goal had been due to "a matter unrelated to sports."
This press release confirmed that the situation that had affected him emotionally was that of his father — the man who accompanied him since his first trip to Barcelona, who also serves as his career representative and manages the brand bearing his surname.
"The Messi family announces that Jorge is going through a health situation. At this time he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition. In light of the versions, rumors and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some individuals have treated a strictly private and family matter," the statement began.
The release came following a morning in which rumors, fake news and social media — including the on-air "confirmation" by Florencia Peña that sparked a scandal on the streaming channel LUZU — forced a decision that is rarely made within the family. The statement does not detail what type of illness Jorge is facing, but according to information obtained by Clarín, his condition required hospitalization over the weekend, first at a hospital in Rosario and then a transfer to Buenos Aires, where he was accompanied by Celia Cuccittini, Lionel's mother, and Rodrigo, one of his older brothers.
Jorge is much more than a father to the "Flea." He is the one who took him by the hand when he was just 13 years old and traveled with him to Barcelona, leaving the rest of the family in Rosario, so that he could complete his hormonal treatment to help his growth. Later, he became his representative and CEO of a global brand.
About the signature
Clarín Newsletter
