Summary An Argentine TV presenter resigned after mistakenly announcing the death of Lionel Messi’s father, triggering nationwide concern before the family denied the report.
BUENOS AIRES (Dunya News) -A wave of grief swept across Argentina after a television presenter mistakenly announced the death of football icon Lionel Messi’s father during a live broadcast, only for the report to be later denied by the family.
The controversy erupted when 51-year-old television host Florencia Peña informed viewers during a live programme that Messi’s father had “just passed away,” describing the news as sudden. The announcement spread rapidly on social media, prompting widespread concern and creating an atmosphere of mourning across the country.
However, as the report gained traction, Peña acknowledged that the information had not yet been independently verified.
According to international media reports, the news soon reached the Messi family, which categorically rejected the claim. Family members clarified that Jorge Messi had indeed been experiencing health issues and was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness, but stressed that he was recovering and that reports of his death were entirely false.
Following the clarification, Peña issued a public apology on social media, expressing regret to the Messi family and viewers. She explained that the information had been provided by members of her production team and that she had trusted the report without proper verification.
“I am deeply embarrassed and sorry to the family. I regret being part of this mistake,” she said, announcing her resignation from the programme.
The incident has reignited debate in Argentina over journalistic standards and the dangers of spreading unverified information, particularly in the era of instant social media amplification.
Meanwhile, the television network has launched an internal investigation to determine how the erroneous report made its way to air and to establish accountability.
