An Argentinian television presenter has resigned after wrongly announcing live on air that Lionel Messi’s father had died, before issuing an emotional apology to the football icon and his family.
Florencia Pena stepped down from her role at Luzu TV after falsely telling viewers that Jorge Messi had passed away while Argentina were competing at the World Cup.
The alarming claim quickly spread online and prompted concern among supporters, with the Messi family later forced to release a statement confirming the 68-year-old is alive and recovering from an unspecified health issue.
Appearing on Luzu TV’s programme El Show del Verano, Pena stunned viewers when she declared: “I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.”
She then added: “Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.”
Moments later, as speculation intensified on social media, Pena attempted to row back on her comments.
“There are a lot of rumours, it’s all over Twitter, it’s not confirmed by any media outlet, we’re clarifying this just in case,” she said.
By Thursday evening, the presenter had published a heartfelt statement admitting responsibility for the blunder and revealing she had decided to leave the broadcaster.
An Argentinian television presenter has resigned after wrongly announcing live on air that Lionel Messi’s father had died, before issuing an emotional apology to the football icon and his family
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“I apologise to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through,” Pena said.
“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.
Jorge Messi has played a big role in Lionel Messi’s career
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“I apologise again from the heart; I was wrong.”
Luzu TV later confirmed Pena’s departure and condemned the handling of the story.
“We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the programme,” the broadcaster said.
“For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable.
“Consequently, Luzu TV management has decided to part ways with all those responsible, and Florencia Pena has decided to step aside.
“We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication.”
Pena, who also works as an actress, reiterated her remorse while leaving the studio for the final time.
“I was on air. I don’t have my phone or computer, I had no idea what was going on,” she told America TV.
Every team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS
“Production told me, ‘This is happening.’ I repeated it, and at that moment he said, ‘Oh, wait, wait, it hasn’t been checked.’ I’m shaking.
“I’m very mortified, it’s the first time something like this has happened to me.”
The controversy emerged after Lionel Messi appeared emotional during Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria on Tuesday, sparking rumours over his father’s wellbeing.
Jorge Messi plays a significant role in his son’s career, acting as his representative and helping oversee the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s extensive commercial interests.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Messi family confirmed he remains under medical supervision and is making progress.
“The Messi family reports that Jorge is going through a health situation,” they said.
“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within his condition.”
They also criticised the spread of misinformation surrounding the matter.
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria
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“Only his closest family has real and accurate information about Jorge’s condition.
“At times like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity.”
Despite his personal concerns, Messi delivered a superb performance against Algeria, scoring a hat-trick as Argentina began their World Cup title defence in style.
The defending champions return to action against Austria in Dallas on Monday.
