TV presenter resigns after false report on Messi's father
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 3:39 AM
Last updated Jun 20, 2026
Florencia Peña has resigned from Luzu TV following backlash over a false report concerning Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi. The claim, made during a live broadcast on June 19, suggested Jorge Messi had died. This report came after Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria, where Lionel Messi scored a hat trick. The Messi family confirmed Jorge is alive and recovering from a health issue, prompting Peña to apologize and resign, acknowledging her role in the error. Luzu TV has also apologized and pledged to improve its verification process.
- •Peña reported falsely that Jorge Messi had died on air.
- •Argentina won 3-0 against Algeria, with Messi scoring three goals.
- •Jorge Messi is alive and recovering from an undisclosed health issue.
- •Peña resigned in response to the backlash and apologized publicly.
- •Luzu TV committed to improving its news verification practices.
- 7:42 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup presenter quits mid-tournament after Lionel Messi controversy
- 3:39 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup TV presenter resigns after causing outrage with Lionel Messi comments
"Florencia Peña has resigned from Luzu TV after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi’s father had died during Argentina’s World Cup campaign. The error came after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, a night already heavy with emotion after Messi scored a hat trick.
"Luzu TV presenter Florencia Pena stepped down after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had died, with the Messi family confirming that Jorge is recovering from a health situation
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 7:42 AMWorld Cup presenter quits mid-tournament after Lionel Messi controversy
Luzu TV presenter Florencia Pena stepped down after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had died, with the Messi family confirming that Jorge is recovering from a health situation
- Yahoo SportsJun 20, 2026, 3:39 AMWorld Cup TV presenter resigns after causing outrage with Lionel Messi comments
Florencia Peña has resigned from Luzu TV after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi’s father had died during Argentina’s World Cup campaign. The error came after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, a night already heavy with emotion after Messi scored a hat trick.
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