TV presenter resigns after spreading false information about Messi's father's passing

Pena delivered a shocking announcement to viewers during the live broadcast of "El Show del Verano" on Wednesday.

"I don't want to bring sad news, but Messi's father has just passed away," she said. "It was sudden. In the middle of the World Cup."

She further speculated that the tragedy would likely force the Argentina captain to leave the national team during the tournament.

The shocking claim quickly went viral across social media, causing public confusion in Argentina. However, just minutes later, Pena had to clarify on-air that the news was merely an unverified social media rumor.

A day after the broadcast, Pena publicly apologized on Instagram and took full responsibility for the serious error.

"I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. I am very ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain," she said.

In a subsequent interview with América TV outside the Luzu TV headquarters, the presenter explained that she did not have her phone or computer while on air and was simply relaying information fed to her by the production team.

"I was on air," she said. "I don’t have my phone or computer, I had no idea what was going on. Production told me, ‘This is happening.’ I repeated it, and at that moment he said, ‘Oh, wait, wait, it hasn’t been checked.’ I’m shaking."

As a result, Pena decided to leave her position at Luzu TV.

Luzu TV also took action quickly, issuing an official statement condemning the broadcast of sensitive, unverified information as "unacceptable" and reaffirming its commitment to "responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication."

Public concern over Jorge Messi's well-being emerged following Argentina's 3-0 victory against Algeria in their World Cup opener on June 16. After scoring the first goal in his hat-trick, Messi broke down in tears, later clarifying to the press that his reaction was unrelated to football.

Argentina's most listened-to station Radio Mitre revealed that Messi’s emotional display was due to his father's severe illness.

Jorge, 68, had reportedly been hospitalized in January for cardiovascular and neurological tests. While the family had kept his condition private, rumors circulated that his health was failing.

"Jorge's health has deteriorated slightly this week," journalist Eduardo Feinmann told Radio Mitre. "Messi has been going through it, like any other son."

In response to the rumors and the false death report, the Messi family released an official statement on June 18. They confirmed that Jorge is dealing with a health situation but is under medical supervision, recovering and making positive progress.

The family also expressed frustration with the lack of sensitivity and respect shown by the media, emphasizing that only updates released through official family channels should be considered accurate.

Jorge remains an influential figure in Messi’s life. Beyond introducing him to football, Jorge has long served as Messi’s representative, managing his professional career and overseeing multi-million dollar commercial ventures off the pitch.

Florencia Pena (L) has quit following her false announcement of Lionel Messi's father (R)'s death. Photos by Instagram/@flor_de_p, @leomessi