By Joe Edwards
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An Argentinian presenter has stepped down from her role after falsely stating during a broadcast that soccer player Lionel Messi’s father had died.
Florencia Peña made the mishap on Thursday on live-streaming and entertainment network LUZU TV, according to Argentine daily newspaper La Nacion, .
Jorge Messi, 68, has been undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness, his family said in a statement released on Thursday.
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“I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died,” Peña said, according to a Newsweek translation. She added that it was “in the middle of the World Cup” and then asked her producer to look for more updates.
She later added that she hoped the news was fake, while a producer said it was unverified, with Peña apologizing.
Newsweek reached out to Peña and LUZU TV for comment via social media on Friday.
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Founder Nicolás Occhiato shared a statement from LUZU TV confirming Peña’s departure as well as the firing of those it said were responsible for the mistake.
“At Luzu TV, we deeply regret what occurred live on the program El Show del Verano. For our channel, the broadcast of sensitive information without prior proper verification is unacceptable,” read the statement.
“For this reason, the authorities at Luzu TV have decided to sever ties with all those responsible involved, and Florencia Peña will make the decision to step aside.
“We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication,” it added.
In a statement of her own, Peña apologized and wrote on X that the inaccurate information was provided to her during the live broadcast by the show’s production team.
“I apologize 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.
“I must clarify that this false information was provided to me during the live broadcast as verified by the production team of the show, and I trusted it.
“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,” Peña said.
Messi Family Issues Statement
The Messi family issued its own statement on Thursday, voicing concern over rumors and reports that had been circulating.
Messi, 38, became tearful following his first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this week, with Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann later saying on Radio Mitre that the star cried because his father, "is not in good health," Newsweek reported previously.
"The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation,” it read.
“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing.
“In light of the reports, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some individuals have treated a strictly private family matter.
“The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, 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.
“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that Jorge’s privacy, confidentiality, and personal space—as well as that of his entire family—be respected throughout this process.
“Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and through the appropriate channels,” the statement added.
Update, 6/19/26, 6:20 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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