Argentine television presenter Florencia Peña has stepped down from Luzu TV after falsely announcing live on air that Lionel Messi’s father had died during the World Cup, sparking a major backlash and an apology from both the host and the broadcaster.
The controversy erupted during an episode of El Show del Verano on Thursday, June 18, when Peña repeated an unverified report about Jorge Messi, prompting immediate alarm among viewers and a wave of confusion online.
“I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.”
She then suggested the development would force the Argentina captain to leave the tournament.
“Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.”
As social media rumors quickly gathered pace, Peña tried to soften and qualify what she had said, noting that the report had not been confirmed.
“There are a lot of rumors, it’s all over Twitter, it’s not confirmed by any media outlet, we’re clarifying this just in case.”
Later that day, Messi’s family published a statement clarifying that Jorge Messi was alive and that he was being treated for a health issue.
The family said he was under medical supervision and was recovering favorably, while also condemning the speculation and urging people not to spread information that had not come from official family channels.
By Thursday evening, Peña confirmed she was leaving the broadcaster.
In a statement, she said she felt ashamed for repeating the false report, while also claiming the information had been relayed to her by the production team during the live segment.
“I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that’s why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu,” she said. “I apologize again from the heart; I was wrong.”
Luzu TV later confirmed her exit and said broadcasting such sensitive information without verification was unacceptable. The channel also indicated that others involved in the segment were no longer with the company.
Later, speaking to America TV, Peña described how events unfolded in real time and said she had no opportunity to independently verify what she was being told while on camera.
“Production told me, ‘This is happening.’ I repeated it, and at that moment he said, ‘Oh, wait, wait, it hasn’t been checked,'” she said. “I’m very mortified, it’s the first time something like this has happened to me.”
The confusion began after Messi appeared emotional during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, leading some online users to speculate about his father, Jorge Messi.
Messi’s family later clarified that Jorge is alive and receiving treatment. They said he “is going through a health situation” and remains “under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably”.
The family also condemned the misinformation and emphasized that only those closest to him know the full details of his condition.
“Given the versions, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, 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.
“The family also wishes to clarify that only his closest family members have accurate and reliable information about Jorge’s condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come from the family itself and its official channels should not be considered valid or true. At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and compassion.
“A person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest. We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern received, and we request that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process. Any relevant updates will be communicated promptly by the family and through the appropriate channels.”
Despite the concern surrounding his family, Messi still produced a hat-trick as Argentina opened their World Cup title defence with an emphatic win.
After the final whistle, the forward addressed his emotional reaction.
“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.”
Argentina’s next match is against Austria in Dallas on Monday, June 22.