An Argentine television host has resigned after falsely reporting the death of Lionel Messi's father during a live broadcast, leading to multiple staff dismissals and a wave of sponsor withdrawals from the streaming channel.
False report and immediate fallout
Florencia Peña announced on Luzu TV that Jorge Messi had died and suggested that Lionel Messi would not play further matches in the World Cup. The Messi family quickly issued a statement on Thursday confirming that Jorge Messi was hospitalized with an undisclosed medical issue but was “progressing favourably.”
Peña resigned from her position and issued a public apology, blaming the production crew for feeding incorrect information through her earpiece during the live broadcast. “I apologise to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through,” Peña wrote on social media in Spanish. “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. I apologise again from the heart; I was wrong.”
Luzu TV's response and sponsor exodus
Luzu, a popular news source in Argentina launched in 2020, issued an apology and announced that “those responsible” had been relieved of their duties. “We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the programme,” Luzu said in a statement. “For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable. Consequently, Luzu TV management has decided to part ways with all those responsible, and Florencia Peña has decided to step aside. We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication.”
According to media reports in Argentina, as many as 10 brands immediately ended their sponsorship of Luzu following the incident.
Messi family condemns irresponsible reporting
The Messi family statement expressed deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity and respect shown by some individuals. “In light of the versions, rumours and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express their profound discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some individuals have treated a strictly private and family matter,” the statement read. “The family also wishes to clarify that only their closest family members have real and accurate information about Jorge's condition. Therefore, any version, statement or information that does not come from the family itself and their corresponding channels should not be considered valid or truthful. In moments like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity. A person's health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”
Messi's World Cup performance and Algeria controversy
Lionel Messi is participating in his record sixth World Cup. He scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday in Kansas City. The reigning champions will continue Group J action against Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas.
Algeria has sent a letter to FIFA's refereeing commission about alleged poor officiating during their 3-0 World Cup defeat by Argentina, particularly regarding a first-half incident when Messi stood on the calf of Algeria captain Aïssa Mandi with the score at 1-0. Algeria supporters called for Messi to be sent off, but the forward was not punished and went on to score a hat-trick. The match was refereed by Poland's Szymon Marciniak, who officiated the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar where Argentina beat France on penalties.
