Presenter Resigns After Falsely Reporting Messi's Father's Death

Argentine television presenter Florencia Pena has resigned from her role after falsely reporting the death of Lionel Messi's father during Argentina's opening World Cup match. Pena made the claim live on the streaming channel Luzu TV, stating, “I don’t want to bring bad news, but Messi’s father has just passed away. It was sudden. In the middle of the World Cup.”

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I don’t want to bring bad news, but Messi’s father has just passed away. It was sudden. In the middle of the World Cup.

The report rapidly circulated on social media before Pena issued a clarification. The Messi family subsequently released a statement confirming that Jorge Messi, the player's father, was receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition. The statement emphasized that he was under medical supervision and recovering, while also criticizing speculation and requesting privacy.

Pena publicly apologized, expressing deep shame for her involvement in the error. She explained that the unverified information was given to her live on air as if it had been confirmed by the show's production team. "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," Pena wrote on social media. "Even so, I take responsibility for being part of the mistake and that is why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu."

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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. Even so, 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 issued an apology and announced disciplinary actions, deeming the dissemination of sensitive information without proper verification unacceptable. Nicolas Occhiato, the show’s host and producer, stated that the channel deeply regrets the incident and is committed to responsible, respectful, and rigorous journalism. The controversy arose after Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory, appearing emotional and mentioning personal difficulties unrelated to football. The false report drew widespread criticism in Argentina, with President Javier Milei denouncing it as "Trash talk."

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We at Luzu TV deeply regret what happened on the air during the program El Show de Verano. For our channel, the broadcast of sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable.