World Cup 2026: Argentina presenter mistakenly resigns as Lionel Messi’s father dies

An Argentine television presenter has resigned after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi’s father had died during Argentina’s first World Cup game.

Florencia Pena made the claim during a live broadcast on Argentine streaming channel Luju TV after Argentina’s opening group game win against Algeria.

“I don’t want to bring bad news, but Messi’s father just died. It was sudden. In the middle of the World Cup,” Pena said while hosting the show.

The report quickly spread on social media before Pena clarified that the information was not confirmed.

Messi’s family Later issued a statement confirming The player’s father, Jorge Messi, is receiving treatment for an undisclosed health condition.

The statement said the 68-year-old was under medical supervision and recovering, criticizing speculation surrounding his health and calling for privacy during a difficult time.

Pena has publicly apologized and said the information was given to him during the show as if it were verified news.

In a statement, he said, ‘I apologize to Messi’s family. “I am deeply ashamed of my involvement in this mistake.”

The 51-year-old television personality and actress now says she was given unverified information.

“I must clarify that this false information was given to me live on air as if it had been vetted by the show’s production team and I believed it,” Pena wrote on social media Thursday.

“Even so, I take responsibility for being a part of the mistake and that is why I have decided to end my participation in Luju.

“I apologize again from the bottom of my heart; I was wrong.”

Luju TV also apologized and announced disciplinary action after the incident, saying it was unacceptable to broadcast sensitive information without proper verification.

The show’s host and producer, Nicolas Occiato, said: “We deeply regret what happened during the El Show de Verano program on Luju TV. For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable.

“For this reason, Luju TV management has decided to terminate the employment of all those responsible and Florencia Pena has decided to resign

“We reiterate our commitment to responsible, respectful and rigorous journalism.”

Messi’s hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria sparked controversy. The 38-year-old became emotional during the match and later said he had had a “difficult day” for personal reasons unrelated to football.

The false report sparked widespread criticism across Argentina, with many supporters decrying the failure to verify the information before it was broadcast.

Argentine President Javier Millay called it “trash talk” on X, saying that Penner’s “offensive and unethical, unverified statements on a streaming channel, which would be offensive even if the facts were true, since they relate to the private life of a citizen, remind us of the impunity with which they believe some individuals can use their hands or microphones”.

Argentina continue their World Cup campaign against Austria on Monday (18:00 BST).