World Cup presenter quits mid-tournament after Lionel Messi controversy
World Cup presenter quits mid-tournament after Lionel Messi controversy
Joshua Mbu, Myriam Toua Sat, June 20, 2026 at 9:51 AM UTC
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Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates during the World Cup
Lionel Messi's father was falsely claimed to have passed away (Image: Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Argentine TV presenter Florencia Peña has resigned mid-World Cup after falsely claiming that soccer icon Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away, following an emotional moment when the star shed tears after scoring the first of his three goals against Algeria.
Peña made the erroneous claim before the Messi family issued a statement confirming that Jorge was dealing with a "health situation," with Peña insisting the Inter Miami forward was "going to have to leave" Argentina's World Cup campaign.
"I don't want to break bad news, but Messi's father just died," Peña declared on Luzu TV's El Show del Verano. "Right in the middle of the World Cup, he's going to have to leave," she added.
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Later that Thursday, Peña issued a public apology for the error, expressing that she was "deeply ashamed" of the incident. Peña also announced her resignation from Luzu TV.
"I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through," she stated. "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.
The Messi family were forced to release a statement following the false claim (Image: X)
"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 apologize again from the heart; I was wrong." Luzu TV issued a public apology to its viewers following their former presenter's on-air blunder.
The network expressed remorse for broadcasting unverified information. "We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the program. For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable," they stated.
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"Consequently, Luzu TV management has decided to part ways with all those responsible, and Florencia Pena has decided to step aside. We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication."
Florencia Pena has stepped down from her job after saying Lionel Messi's dad had died. (Image: undefined)
On Thursday, the Messi family released an official statement confirming that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, is facing a "health situation," following the soccer icon's visible distress during the Algeria match.
"Jorge is going through a health situation," the Messi family said in a statement. "He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition," the statement continued.
"At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity," the family concluded. "A person's health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest."
Argentina's next World Cup fixture is set for June 22 against Austria at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium. The reigning champions currently lead Group J, tied on points but with a one-goal advantage over Austria.
A victory will guarantee Argentina's progression to the knockout rounds of the tournament. However, even a draw could prove sufficient, as eight of the top third-place finishers will advance.
Meanwhile, a World Cup coach was overheard making a chilling comment on the sideline after Ismael Kone's injury.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
