Argentine presenter resigns after falsely announcing death of Lionel Messi’s father

The Messi family confirmed Jorge Messi is recovering in hospital and urged the public to avoid speculation

An Argentine television presenter has resigned and issued a public apology after incorrectly announcing the death of Lionel Messi’s father during a live broadcast, triggering widespread backlash and intense reaction across social media.

Florencia Peña stepped down from Luzu TV after claiming on the channel’s El Show del Verano programme that Jorge Messi had died. During the broadcast, Peña stated that she had received information indicating that the father of the Argentina captain had passed away and suggested Lionel Messi could be forced to leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The report quickly spread online before the Messi family released an official statement denying the claim. The family confirmed that Jorge Messi, 68, is currently receiving medical treatment and recovering from an undisclosed health issue.

In their statement, the family expressed concern over the rumours and called for greater sensitivity.

“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 favourably within the condition he is experiencing,” the statement read.

The family also asked for “responsibility, prudence, and humanity” and stressed that only information issued through official family channels should be considered accurate.

After the mistake became clear, Peña apologised publicly and accepted responsibility for repeating information she said had been supplied to her during the live programme.

“I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain,” she wrote on social media. “I trusted information that had been presented to me as verified, but I was wrong.”

Pido 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…

— Florencia Peña (@Flor_de_P) June 18, 2026

She later confirmed that she had decided to leave Luzu TV following the incident.

The network also issued its own apology, describing the broadcast as unacceptable and reaffirming its commitment to responsible journalism. Luzu TV management announced that those responsible for the error would no longer continue with the company.

Channel co founder Nico Occhiato condemned the mistake and said the incident did not represent the values of the outlet.

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.
Corresponde una revision interna y una sanción contundente porque fue un error…

— Nico Occhiato (@NicolasOcchiato) June 18, 2026

The controversy sparked a huge reaction online. Many social media users criticised the failure to verify information before broadcasting it, while others expressed sympathy for the Messi family.

Several users on X described the situation as “irresponsible” and “unforgivable”, with some calling the incident an example of the dangers of rushing breaking news without proper confirmation. Others praised the Messi family for responding with restraint despite the distress caused by the false reports.

Local reports in Argentina suggested that multiple brands had suspended or withdrawn sponsorship agreements with Luzu TV following the controversy.

Jorge Messi has played a crucial role throughout Lionel Messi’s career, acting as his adviser and business representative since the football star’s early days at Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi remains with Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he recently helped his country begin their campaign with victory. The football icon continues his pursuit of another international title while his father recovers under medical supervision.