How presenter's Messi error caused outrage in Argentina

The father of Lionel Messi is alive and receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition, contrary to a false live broadcast report claiming he died during Argentina's opening World Cup match against Algeria.

Florencia Peña made the erroneous statement on streaming channel Luzu TV, prompting swift social media spread before she clarified the news lacked confirmation. The Messi family subsequently confirmed 68 year-old Jorge Messi remains under medical supervision and recovering, whilst condemning the speculation and requesting privacy.

"I have to clarify that this false information was given to me live on air as if it had been checked by the show's production team, and I trusted it. Even so, I take responsibility for being part of the mistake and that is why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu. I apologise again from the heart; I was wrong."

Florencia Peña shared this apology on social media on Thursday, confirming her resignation from the channel.

Luzu TV issued an apology and terminated the employment of all responsible staff. Host and producer Nicolás Occhiato described the dissemination of unverified sensitive information as unacceptable, reaffirming a commitment to rigorous journalism.

The controversy followed a match where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in a three-nil victory over Algeria. The thirty-eight-year-old captain appeared emotional during the game and acknowledged experiencing difficult personal days unrelated to football.

The incident drew widespread public condemnation across Argentina, including criticism from President Javier Milei, who denounced the broadcast as unscrupulous trash talk that violated private life. Argentina face Austria in their next fixture on Monday.