TV Host Resigns, Fires Staff Over False Messi Death

An Argentine television host has resigned and a broadcaster has dismissed its production staff after a live broadcast falsely declared the father of soccer star Lionel Messi dead during the World Cup. The incident occurred on Thursday, June 18, 2026, during the program "El Show del Verano" on the streaming channel Luzu TV.

Host Florencia Peña told viewers that Jorge Messi had died, suggesting the Argentine captain would have to leave the tournament. The 68-year-old father of the football icon is, in fact, alive and under medical care for an undisclosed illness, with his family reporting he is recovering and progressing favorably.

The Messi family issued a statement condemning the spread of misinformation, calling it an intrusion into a private family matter and asking for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. Peña announced her resignation the same day, apologizing profusely and stating she was ashamed to have spread the false report. She explained that the information was given to her during the broadcast by the show's production team and presented as verified.

Luzu TV management stated that broadcasting sensitive information without proper verification is unacceptable and...