June 20, 2026 12:37 AM

TV Presenter Resigns After Incorrectly Announcing Lionel Messi’s Father’s Death

Friday, June 19, 2026

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A popular Argentine television presenter has resigned after mistakenly announcing live on air that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, had passed away. The claim was later confirmed to be entirely false.

The incident took place during a live broadcast, where presenter Florencia Peña told viewers she was delivering tragic news and stated that Messi’s father had died. She further suggested that Messi would have to leave the national team and return home in the middle of an ongoing tournament.

The statement quickly spread across social media, triggering concern worldwide.

However, it was soon clarified that the report was completely baseless, and Jorge Messi is alive and in good health. The presenter faced heavy criticism following the false announcement.

Reports from international media indicate that Florencia Peña later stepped down from her position after admitting the mistake.

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