TV host quits after she falsely reported Messi’s father died during World Cup

Argentine television host Florencia Peña has resigned from her role at Luzu TV after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had died, sparking widespread outrage and criticism over the dissemination of unverified information about the football star’s family.

The incident occurred on Thursday during a live broadcast of Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano, just two days after Messi inspired Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

During the programme, Peña announced what she described as breaking news, saying, “I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.” She further speculated that the Argentina captain would have to leave the World Cup, adding, “Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.”

However, the Messi family quickly debunked the report, confirming that Jorge Messi was alive and receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition.

In a statement, the family said, “He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition.” They also condemned the spread of false information, stating,

“The family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with

which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.”

Following the backlash, Peña admitted that she had relied on information that had not been properly verified.

“I have to clarify that this false information was given to me live on air as if it had been checked by the show’s production team, and I trusted it,” she wrote on her Instagram Story.

The 51-year-old presenter later issued a public apology to the Messi family and announced her departure from the channel.

“I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. I am very ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain,” Peña said. “I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that is why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu.”

Luzu TV also condemned the incident and said disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible.

“Luzu TV deeply regrets what happened on air during the program. Our channel finds the dissemination of sensitive information without proper prior verification unacceptable,” the station said in a statement.

“We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful and rigorous communication.”

The controversy drew criticism from across Argentina, including President Javier Milei, who accused Peña of acting irresponsibly.

“The aberrant and unscrupulous unchecked statements by Florencia Peña remind us of the impunity with which some individuals believe they can operate simply by holding a microphone or a pen in hand,” Milei wrote on social media. He later described the presenter as a “low-rent gossipmonger” while praising the broadcaster for issuing a correction.

The false report emerged amid heightened public attention on Messi, who scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s World Cup opener. After netting his first goal, the football icon was seen wiping away tears, prompting speculation about his emotional state.

Addressing the moment after the match, Messi said, “I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to football. I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.”