Argentine TV presenter Florencia Pena has stepped down from Luzu TV after falsely announcing on air that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had died during the World Cup.
The mistake came during one of the most sensitive stretches of Messi’s career.
His family’s response was clear, limited, and firm.
Lionel Messi’s father’s false report leads to consequences
A Touchline post, attributing the report to L’Equipe, stated,
“Argentine TV presenter Florencia Pena has resigned after mistakenly announcing the death of Lionel Messi’s father live on air. The false information was reportedly passed to her through her earpiece by the production team during Luzu TV’s “El Show del Verano”. Pena later apologized to the Messi family and personally contacted Lionel Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, who reportedly accepted her apology.”
Multiple accessible reports have confirmed the central details. Pena made the false announcement during Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano, apologized publicly, and stepped away after the error. Luzu TV also condemned the broadcast of sensitive information without proper verification and said action had been taken against those responsible.
The most important verified update came from the Messi family. They said Jorge Messi is alive, going through a health situation, under medical supervision, recovering and evolving favorably within his condition.
The family also expressed deep anger over rumors and speculation around a private matter. They stated that only close relatives have real and precise information about Jorge’s condition, and that any updates should come through official family channels.
Lionel Messi’s World Cup focus stays on Argentina’s title defense
The false report landed just after Messi had delivered a brilliant start to Argentina’s World Cup defense.
The 38-year-old scored a hat trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City, giving the defending champions exactly the kind of opening statement they needed. It also strengthened the sense that Argentina’s push for another triumph still runs through their captain.
Reports around the match noted Messi was emotional after scoring. He later said he had been through difficult days and thanked his teammates, coaching staff, and delegation for their support. He did not publicly give private details beyond that.
That line should remain in place. Jorge Messi’s exact medical issue has not been disclosed by the family, and there is no verified basis for speculation beyond the family statement.
On the pitch, Messi looked ready to lead another title chase. Away from it, the episode showed how quickly unverified information about his family can create unnecessary pain during the biggest football event in the world.
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