Argentina’s Luzu TV fires presenter Florencia Peña after she falsely announced death of Lionel Messi’s father
Florencia Peña falsely announced Jorge Messi’s death on Luzu TV, sparking a family statement and her immediate resignation; the station sacked involved staff and President Milei condemned the hoax.
The match that ignited speculation
On 16 June, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their opening 2026 World Cup match. The 38-year-old, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was visibly emotional on the pitch. After the game, Messi said the tears were not about football, describing "difficult days" without elaboration. This set off intense speculation in Argentina about his father's health.
This has nothing to do with football.
The false report on live TV
On 18 June, during the live broadcast of “El Show del Verano” on the Luzu TV streaming platform, host Florencia Peña announced that Jorge Messi, aged 68, had died.
Listen, I don’t want to give you bad news, but Messi’s father just died. Was it sudden?
Peña later said the information was relayed through her earpiece by the production team. The claim spread rapidly before any verification.
Family statement condemns the hoax
Within hours, the Messi family issued an official statement denying the death report.
The Messi family shares that Jorge has health problems. He is currently under medical observation, recovering, and showing positive progress.
The family also strongly rebuked those who spread the false news.
We want to express our deep discomfort about the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.
They stressed that only official family channels should be considered valid and asked for "responsibility, prudence and humanity."
- Argentina defeats Algeria 3-0; Messi scores hat-trick, appears emotional, says 'nothing to do with football'.
- Florencia Peña falsely announces Jorge Messi's death on Luzu TV.
- Messi family releases statement: Jorge has health issues, recovering; denies death, criticises media.
- Peña publicly apologises, resigns; Luzu TV dismisses involved staff; President Milei condemns the false report.
Fallout: apology, resignation and presidential rebuke
Florencia Peña posted a tearful apology on social media and live on television, announcing her withdrawal from Luzu TV.
I ask forgiveness from the Messi family for this terrible moment I imagine they are going through. I am very ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain.
Peña added in a later program that Celia Cuccittini, Messi’s mother, had accepted her apology. Luzu TV issued a statement calling the broadcast of unverified sensitive information unacceptable and confirmed the dismissal of all responsible staff. Peña said she assumed her share of responsibility and decided to end her collaboration with the channel.
The incident also drew a sharp comment from Argentine President Javier Milei, who on X criticized "the aberrant and unscrupulous statements of a low-level gossip."
The scandal highlights the risks of live broadcasting unverified claims, especially involving public figures during a major tournament.
