TV presenter Florencia Pena has resigned after falsely announcing on air that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had died and that the footballer would leave the World Cup. The 51-year-old Argentinian star issued an apology on Instagram, stating she was given incorrect information by the production team.
Apology and Resignation
In her statement, Pena said: "I apologise to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. 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."
False Report During Live Stream
The error occurred during a live stream of Luzu TV's El Show del Verano on June 18. Pena erroneously speculated: "I don't want to break bad news, but Messi's father just died. Right in the middle of the World Cup, he's going to have to leave."
Messi Family Response
The Messi family issued a statement condemning the irresponsible reporting. They confirmed Jorge is battling an undisclosed health issue but is alive and recovering. "He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favourably within his current condition," they said. "Given the versions, rumours, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter."
Backlash and Presidential Condemnation
Pena faced fierce backlash from Messi fans and a scolding from Argentina's President Javier Milei. On X, he wrote: "TRASH CORP. The aberrant and unscrupulous unchecked statements by Florencia Peña on a streaming channel... remind us of the impunity with which some individuals believe they can operate simply by holding a microphone or a pen in hand."
