An Argentine television host has resigned from her position after mistakenly announcing the death of Lionel Messi’s father during a live broadcast. Shortly after Argentina’s opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Algeria, Florencia Pena claimed on Luzu TV that Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had passed away. “I don’t want to deliver bad news, but Messi’s father has just passed away. It was sudden. In the middle of the World Cup,” Pena stated on air.
The report was later revealed to be false, prompting Pena to issue a public apology. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Pena explained, “I must clarify that this misinformation was confirmed by the production team of the program and given to me live, and I trusted it. Nevertheless, I take responsibility for being part of the error and that is why I have decided to step aside and end my role at Luzu. I apologize again from the bottom of my heart; I was wrong.”
Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, was reportedly experiencing a health-related situation and was under medical supervision, with the football icon’s family informing on Thursday that he was recovering and improving. During Argentina’s FIFA World Cup campaign opener against Algeria on Wednesday, Messi was seen in tears after scoring a goal, stating it was “something unrelated to the game.”
Following the match, Messi commented, “It was something completely unrelated to sports. I’ve had difficult, complicated days. I am grateful to the entire delegation, all my teammates, because they were always with me, they gave me a lot of strength, as always.”
Messi’s family had previously announced that his father’s health was not good but that he was “recovering and improving” under medical care. The statement read, “The Messi family wishes to report that Jorge Messi is currently experiencing a health-related situation. He is currently under medical supervision and is recovering and progressing positively within the situation he is experiencing.”
The statement further added, “In light of the reports, rumors, and speculations circulating in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and consideration shown by some individuals towards a completely private family matter.”
The family also noted that “only their closest relatives have real and accurate information about Jorge’s condition” and therefore, any version, statement, or information not originating from the family or official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.
Messi’s family requested “responsibility, common sense, and humanity” from everyone. The statement concluded, “A person’s health and the tranquility of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention. We sincerely thank you for the expressions of love, respect, and concern we have received and we ask that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge, and of his entire family, be respected throughout this process. Any relevant updates will be communicated by the family and through appropriate channels when the time comes. Thank you for your understanding.”
