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Argentinian TV host fired for false report on Messi's father's death
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Argentinian TV host fired for false report on Messi's father's death

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • An Argentinian TV host was fired for falsely reporting that football star Lionel Messi's father had died.
  • Messi's family confirmed his father is recovering from health issues but is not deceased, criticizing the "insensitive and unscrupulous" report.
  • The TV station dismissed all involved staff, and Argentina's president condemned the host's actions as a "low-quality gossipmonger."

An Argentinian television host has been fired after broadcasting false news about the death of football superstar Lionel Messi's father. Florencia Peña, a host on Luzu TV's live streaming broadcast, reported that Messi's father had passed away, suggesting the player would have to leave the World Cup.

I don't want to deliver bad news, but Messi's father has just passed away. Messi will have to leave the team in the middle of the World Cup.

— Florencia PeñaBroadcasting the false report about Lionel Messi's father's death.

Messi's family swiftly refuted the claims, stating that while his father, Jorge Messi, is indeed undergoing treatment for health problems, he is not deceased. They issued a statement expressing deep regret over the "insensitive and unscrupulous" handling of such a private matter, confirming he is under medical supervision and recovering.

Following the backlash, Peña apologized on Instagram, explaining she had believed the information was verified by her production team. She accepted responsibility for the error and announced her departure from the program. Luzu TV also terminated the employment of all production staff involved, citing zero tolerance for spreading unverified information.

He is currently recovering under the supervision of medical staff. We express our deep regret for the insensitive and unscrupulous attitude shown when dealing with extremely private matters.

— Messi Family SpokespersonRefuting the false report and criticizing the media's handling of the situation.

Argentina's President Javier Milei strongly criticized Peña's actions via X (formerly Twitter), labeling her a "low-quality gossipmonger." He denounced the report as an "abnormal act" that trampled on citizens' privacy and basic human dignity and truth simply because she held a microphone or pen.

I mentioned it on air believing it was information verified by the production team. I apologize for the pain the Messi family may have experienced. I take responsibility for my mistake and will step down from the broadcast.

— Florencia PeñaApologizing and announcing her resignation after the false report.

Messi had previously alluded to personal difficulties during a post-match interview after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory against Algeria in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He mentioned enduring "difficult days unrelated to football," which his family later clarified were due to his father's deteriorating health.

The dissemination of information without prior verification is unacceptable.

— Luzu TV StatementExplaining the decision to fire production staff.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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