Blooper! Reporter Who Claimed Messi’s Father Died Leaves Channel After On-Air Blunder

Published 19 June 2026 · sports

Blooper! Reporter Who Claimed Messi’s Father Died Leaves Channel After On-Air Blunder Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 10:00 IST An Argentine TV presenter

Blooper! Reporter Who Claimed Messi’s Father Died Leaves Channel After On-Air Blunder Published By, Last Updated: June 19, 2026, 10:00 IST An Argentine TV presenter resigned after falsely claiming Lionel Messi’s father Jorge had died, prompting a furious family statement and a major fallout at Luzu TV. Rapid Read Lionel Messi (X) A stunning on-air blunder has cost Argentine TV presenter Florencia Pena her job after she falsely reported that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had died. The controversy erupted during a live broadcast of El Show del Verano on Luzu TV, shortly after Messi inspired Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria with a sensational World Cup hat-trick. Messi, who was visibly emotional during the match, was seen wiping away tears after one of his goals. That moment sparked speculation, which Pena incorrectly amplified on air. “I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died," the 51-year-old presenter said during the broadcast. She then added: “Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave." The claim quickly spread online before being categorically denied by the Messi family.

Messi Family Hits Back In a strongly worded statement, the family confirmed that Jorge Messi, 68, is currently dealing with a health issue but remains under medical supervision and is recovering. 🚨 OFFICIAL: Messi family statement. ❗️“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation. “At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing. “In light of the… pic.twitter.com/JyRwkozyC Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2026 “The Messi family reports that Jorge is going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within his condition," the statement read. The family also expressed its “deep discomfort" at what it described as a lack of “sensitivity, respect and decency" surrounding reports about a strictly private family matter. “Only his closest family has real and accurate information about Jorge’s condition," the statement continued, urging the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information and to respect the family’s privacy.

Presenter Apologises, Leaves Channel Facing widespread criticism, Pena later issued a public apology and confirmed her departure from Luzu TV. “I apologise to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain," she said. Peña claimed the information had been passed to her as verified during the live show and that she trusted the production team. “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." Luzu TV subsequently released its own statement, describing the incident as “unacceptable." “We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air. Broadcasting sensitive information without proper verification is unacceptable," the network said, adding that those responsible had been removed from their roles. Meanwhile, Messi and defending champions Argentina will turn their attention back to football when they face Austria in Arlington on Tuesday.