Lionel Messi’s father death rumor debunked after Argentine TV host quits

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup group match against Algeria, Argentine television presenter Florencia Peña announced on Luzu TV that Lionel Messi’s father had just died. The claim was false; Messi’s family quickly clarified that his father, Jorge Messi, is alive but undergoing medical treatment for a health issue.

The erroneous report sparked widespread criticism. Peña issued a public apology, resigned from the program, and Luzu TV terminated the entire production crew. Argentine President Javier Milei denounced the broadcast as a “low‑level gossip” that violated personal privacy. After the incident, Messi scored a hat‑trick in the match and later said he had been coping with personal concerns unrelated to football.