An Argentine TV host has resigned and several production staff members have been dismissed after a false report claimed that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had died.
The report, aired during a live broadcast on Luzu TV, sparked outrage from the Messi family, who clarified that Jorge Messi is alive, under medical supervision, and recovering.
Florencia Peña, host of Luzu TV’s popular streaming show “El Show del Verano,” announced during a live programme that Jorge Messi had passed away. She also suggested that Lionel Messi might not continue playing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the alleged death of his father.
The report quickly spread online, causing distress for the Messi family and drawing strong criticism from fans, media observers, and public figures.
Messi family denies death rumours
The Messi family immediately issued a statement rejecting the report and clarifying Jorge Messi’s health condition.
“While it is true that he has been ill, he is currently recovering under the supervision of medical staff,” the family said.
The statement added that Jorge Messi is “progressing favourably” under medical observation, while the family requested privacy during the difficult period.
The Messi family expressed deep discomfort over how a private family matter had been handled by parts of the media.
The family said only immediate relatives have accurate information about Jorge Messi’s condition and urged the public not to trust reports that do not come from official family channels.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity,” the statement said.
“A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest,” it added.
Host apologises and steps down
After the controversy, Florencia Peña apologised to the Messi family on social media and announced that she was stepping away from the programme.
“I spoke based on unconfirmed information,” she said.
Peña said the false information had been relayed to her through an earpiece during the live broadcast by the production team, which she believed had verified it.
“I apologise to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through,” Peña wrote.
“I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain. I was wrong,” she added.
Luzu TV fires responsible staff
Luzu TV, a popular Argentine streaming channel launched in 2020, also issued an apology over the incident. The channel said broadcasting sensitive information without proper verification was unacceptable.
“For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable,” Luzu said in a statement.
The management confirmed that all those responsible for the false report had been relieved of their duties, though the exact number of dismissals was not officially disclosed.
According to Argentine media reports, as many as 10 brands immediately ended their sponsorship of Luzu following the controversy.
Argentine president criticises incident
Argentine President Javier Milei also strongly criticised the false reporting. He described the incident as an “abnormal act” that violated a citizen’s privacy simply because someone had access to a microphone.
His remarks added to growing public anger over the handling of the sensitive matter.
Jorge Messi’s role in Lionel’s career
Jorge Messi, 68, has played a central role in Lionel Messi’s football journey. He accompanied Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s for his trial at La Masia, the club’s famed youth academy.
Jorge later served as Messi’s agent, negotiated his contracts with Barcelona, and handled his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He has also managed Messi’s image rights and several business interests, including investments in real estate, hotels, and restaurants.
In 2016, Messi and his father were convicted in Spain on tax evasion charges but avoided prison because the sentence was less than two years.
Messi shines despite personal difficulty
The controversy came days after Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria.
Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City, with Messi’s three goals moving him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the joint all-time leading scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.
By participating in the tournament, Messi also became the first player to appear in six consecutive World Cups.
After the match, Messi became emotional and said his tears were not related to football.
“I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to soccer,” Messi said.
He thanked his teammates, coaching staff, and the Argentina delegation for supporting him during the difficult period.
Reports later emerged that Messi had been emotionally affected by his father’s declining health, drawing sympathy from fans around the world.
Messi is currently with the Argentina squad at their base camp in Kansas City as the defending champions prepare for their next Group J match.
Argentina will face Austria on Monday at Dallas Stadium, also known as AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas.
