Argentine television host Florencia Peña has resigned from Luzu TV after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had died during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The controversy erupted during a live broadcast of El Show del Verano on Thursday, two days after Messi inspired Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening World Cup match.
During the programme, Peña announced what she described as breaking news. “I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died,” she said.
She further claimed the Argentina captain would be forced to leave the tournament, adding: “Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.”
The report was quickly debunked by the Messi family, who confirmed that Jorge Messi was alive and receiving 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.” The family also criticised the circulation of false information about a private matter.
“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 statement added.The false report triggered widespread backlash across Argentina, with many accusing the broadcaster of failing to verify sensitive information before airing it.
Peña later acknowledged the mistake and admitted the information had not been properly checked.“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 subsequently apologised to the Messi family and announced her departure from the television 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 confirmed that disciplinary measures had been taken. “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 broadcaster said.
“We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful and rigorous communication.” The controversy drew criticism from across the country, including Argentine 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 commending the broadcaster for issuing a correction.
The incident unfolded amid heightened attention on Messi following his hat-trick against Algeria. The football star did not directly address the false report, while his family maintained that Jorge Messi’s condition was improving under medical supervision.
