TV presenter resigns after false report on Messi's father in Argentina
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 11:45 PM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
Florencia Pena resigned from Luzu TV after falsely stating that Lionel Messi's father had died during a live broadcast following Argentina's World Cup match against Algeria. The misinformation quickly spread on social media before the Messi family confirmed that Jorge Messi was under medical care but alive. Pena apologized, claiming she was misinformed, while Luzu TV announced disciplinary actions against those responsible for broadcasting the unverified information. The false report sparked outrage in Argentina and drew criticism from President Javier Milei. Argentina is set to continue their World Cup campaign against Austria next.
- •Florencia Pena made the false claim during a live show.
- •The Messi family confirmed Jorge Messi is alive but receiving treatment.
- •Luzu TV announced disciplinary actions following the incident.
- •President Javier Milei condemned the misinformation.
- •Argentina plays against Austria next in the World Cup.
- 11:45 PMYahoo Sports — How presenter's Messi error caused outrage in Argentina
- 11:45 PMBBC Sport — How presenter's Messi error caused outrage in Argentina
"An Argentine TV presenter steps down after wrongly saying on air that Lionel Messi's father had died.
"An Argentine TV presenter steps down after wrongly saying on air that Lionel Messi's father had died.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 11:45 PMHow presenter's Messi error caused outrage in Argentina
An Argentine TV presenter steps down after wrongly saying on air that Lionel Messi's father had died.
- BBC SportJun 19, 2026, 11:45 PMHow presenter's Messi error caused outrage in Argentina
An Argentine TV presenter steps down after wrongly saying on air that Lionel Messi's father had died.
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