Argentine TV host quits after falsely announcing Messi’s father had died

Argentine television host and actress Flor Peña resigned from Luzu TV after falsely reporting, live on the streaming platform, that Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, had died. The mistake was made during the program "El Show del Verano," after Peña received information through her earpiece from production and repeated it on air. She later apologized to viewers during the broadcast and said the report was fake news.

The false report triggered a major backlash in Argentina. Messi’s family then issued an official clarification saying Jorge Messi was alive and in stable condition. Luzu TV founder Nicolás Occhiato condemned the incident as an "unacceptable mistake," and the channel said in a formal statement that spreading sensitive information without prior verification is unacceptable. The channel also said everyone responsible would be dismissed and that Peña would "step aside." President Javier Milei also reacted, writing, "Whoever messes with Messi, messes with all of us."

After the announcement, Peña spoke to the media in an emotional interview and asked for forgiveness. "This is the first time something like this has happened to me. I apologize. I was live, they told me over the earpiece to pass on the information, I was in shock. I do not have a phone or computer during the broadcast, I trusted what I was told," she said. She added that she did not want the production team alone to bear responsibility, but called it a "serious mistake that hurt people."

The uproar came after Messi was seen crying following Argentina’s 3-0 opening win over Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, when he scored a hat trick. He later said, "The crying is not related to football, I am going through difficult times." Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinman, speaking on Radio Mitre, reported that the tears were linked to Jorge Messi’s health. He said the 67-year-old had been dealing with a serious medical issue for months, with a recent worsening, and had remained in Rosario for treatment rather than traveling to the United States as he did during the World Cup in Qatar. The family’s latest statement said Jorge Messi is under medical supervision, is recovering, and is progressing positively.