An Argentinian presenter has resigned after falsely announcing the death of football superstar Lionel Messi‘s father live on air.
Florencia Peña left her role at Luzu TV following the incident, during which he relayed information at Jorge Messi had died. She later made an emotional apology to the Messi family.
During Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano program, Peña said: “I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.” She also appeared to suggest the younger Messi, considered among the greatest footballers of all-time, would have to leave the World Cup as a result.
Her claim was quickly picked up on social media and spread rapidly, forcing the Messi family to release a statement denying the death of Jorge Messi and confirm the 68-year-old is instead recovering in hospital following an unspecified health issue.
After making the claim, Peña attempted to row back, saying Jorge Messi’s passing was unconfirmed, as the falsity became clear.
“I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through,” Peña later wrote on social media. “I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain. I must clarify that this false information was provided to me during the live broadcast as verified by the production team of the show, and I trusted it. Even so, I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that’s why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu. I apologize again from the heart; I was wrong.
— Florencia Peña (@Flor_de_P) June 18, 2026Pido perdón a la familia Messi por el momento espantoso que imagino que están viviendo. Estoy muy avergonzada de haber sido el vehículo para este dolor.
Tengo que aclarar que esta falsa información me fue brindada en medio del vivo como chequeada por cucaracha por la producción…
It has been reported locally that up to ten brands have dropped sponsorship of Luzu, which is a streaming channel and producer dedicated primarily to live broadcasting. Since launch in 2020, it has become a popular news outlet for Argentinians.
The network has issued a statement apologizing. “We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the programme,” said Luzu. “For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable.
“Consequently, Luzu TV management has decided to part ways with all those responsible, and Florencia Peña has decided to step aside. We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication.”
Nico Occhiato, the channel’s co-founder, also released a statement over the incident. “
“I want to express that what just happened on Luzu’s live stream outrages me just as much as it does all of you,” he wrote. “It does not represent me or what we aim to convey through our work. My disagreement is total. An internal review and a firm sanction are in order because it was an unacceptable mistake for my way of communicating.”
Quiero expresar que lo que acaba de suceder al aire de LUZU me indigna igual que a todos ustedes, no me representan a mí ni a lo que queremos transmitir desde nuestro trabajo. Mi desacuerdo es total.
— Nico Occhiato (@NicolasOcchiato) June 18, 2026
Corresponde una revision interna y una sanción contundente porque fue un error…
The Messi family then released a statement, clarifying Jorge’s health and asking for “responsibility, prudence, and humanity.”
“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing.
“In light of the reports, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some individuals have treated a strictly private family matter.
“The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”
Jorge has been a huge factor in the remarkable career of Leo Messi, who is currently starring for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. He has acted as an agent and business manager for his son over his career, which began at Barcelona in 2004 aged 17.
The younger Messi has gone on to win the 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles, an Olympic gold medal, four Champions Leagues, ten La Liga titles, a Ligue 1 title and an MLS Cup with his current team, Inter Miami. He has also won a record eight Ballon d’Ors, which are awarded to the world’s best player and voted on by journalists and other football professionals, and has scored more than 800 goals.
Messi added a hat-trick to his tally in Argentina’s opening game of the World Cup, scoring all three goals in a 3-0 win over Algeria in their Group J game.
His accomplishments on the pitch have made a godly figure in Argentina, which is among the most passionate football-following countries in the world.
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