Argentine sports presenter resigns after falsely announcing Lionel Messi's father's death

Clips from the broadcast went viral on social media, and Lionel Messi's family had to deny those allegations. Florencia Penal apologised and then resigned.

Updated on: Jun 19, 2026, 22:38:04 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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A television presenter from Argentina, Florencia Pena, had to step down from Luzu TV after falsely claiming on air that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, died during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Pena made the announcement after Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in their campaign opener, where Messi also scored a hat-trick.

A presenter in Argentina falsely claimed that Lionel Messi's father died. (Getty Images via AFP)

Later, Messi's family stated that Jorge, 68, is receiving medical treatment and is recovering. Meanwhile, Pena issued a public apology. She also had to step down as Luzu TV announced staff departures.

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Clips from the broadcast went viral on social media, and Messi's family had to deny those allegations. Within a day, Penal apologised and then resigned.

Pena told viewers on-air, "I don't want to break bad news, but Messi's father just died."

"Right in the middle of the World Cup, he's going to have to leave," she added.

In her apology, she said, "apologise to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. I am deeply ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain."

"Even so, I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that’s why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu. I apologise again from the heart; I was wrong."

In its statement, Messi's family said, "The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently dealing with a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering, and showing positive progress in his condition."

"In light of the reports, rumours, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and decency shown by some people when discussing a strictly private family matter. Only Jorge's closest relatives have accurate and reliable information regarding his condition.

"At a time like this, we ask for responsibility, caution, and humanity. A person's health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention," it further added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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