News Focus
- Television presenter Florencia Peña resigns from Luzu TV following a false live broadcast about Jorge Messi.
- She incorrectly stated that Lionel Messi’s father had died and the Argentina captain would leave the World Cup.
- The Messi family confirms Jorge is receiving treatment in hospital and his condition is improving.
- Luzu TV has dismissed the production staff responsible for the unverified information.
- Lionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria in Kansas City.
Popular Argentinian television host Florencia Peña has stepped down from her role at Luzu TV after making a shocking false announcement on air. During a live programme, she told viewers that Jorge Messi, father of global football star Lionel Messi, had passed away. She also suggested that the Argentina captain would abandon the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.
The broadcast caused immediate confusion and distress. However, the Messi family quickly released a statement on Thursday to correct the record. They confirmed that Jorge Messi is alive and receiving medical care in hospital for an undisclosed health issue. The family described his condition as “progressing favourably” and criticised the media for spreading unverified information about a private family matter.
Following the incident, Peña submitted her resignation and offered a public apology to the Messi family. She explained that the production team had fed her the incorrect details through her earpiece during the live show. Despite this, she accepted full responsibility for the error. “I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain,” she wrote on social media. “I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu.”
The television channel has also taken strong action. Luzu TV issued a formal apology and confirmed that they have fired the production staff involved in the mistake. The station stated that broadcasting sensitive news without proper checks is “unacceptable” and stressed their commitment to responsible journalism.
The Messi family expressed deep discomfort at the lack of sensitivity shown by some media outlets. They clarified that only immediate family members possess accurate information about Jorge’s health. They urged the public to ignore rumours and respect their privacy during this difficult time.
The incident comes as Lionel Messi competes in his record sixth World Cup. The Argentina captain started the tournament strongly, scoring a hat-trick in the defending champions’ 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday. The team will face Austria next in Group J.
Meanwhile, Algeria has filed a complaint with FIFA regarding the refereeing in their defeat. They are questioning why Messi was not sent off after an incident where he stood on captain Aïssa Mandi’s calf during the first half. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final, took charge of the match.