Lionel Messi’s family were forced to release a statement. (Image: Getty)
Argentine television presenter Florencia Pena has resigned mid-World Cup after falsely claiming that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, had died following the football icon’s emotional display after netting the first of his three goals against Algeria. Pena made the assertion before the Messi family issued a statement confirming that Jorge is facing a “health situation,” with the broadcaster suggesting the Inter Miami star was “going to have to leave” Argentina’s World Cup defence.
“I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died,” Pena stated on Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano. “Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave,” she added.
Later on Thursday, Pena issued a statement apologising for the error, saying she was “deeply ashamed” of what had transpired. Pena also confirmed her exit from Luzu TV. “I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through,” she said. “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 apologize again from the heart; I was wrong.”
Luzu TV also issued an apology to its viewers following their former presenter’s on-air blunder. The broadcaster expressed remorse over repeating unverified rumours.
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“We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the program. For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable,” they said.
“Consequently, Luzu TV management has decided to part ways with all those responsible, and Florencia Pena has decided to step aside. We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful, and rigorous communication.”
Florencia Peña has resigned after making the false claims (Image: Show del Verano)
The Messi family released a statement on Thursday, confirming that Messi’s father, Jorge, is dealing with a “health situation,” following the legendary No. 10’s visible distress during the Algeria fixture.
“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement. “He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the statement continued.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity,” the family concluded. “A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”
Argentina’s next World Cup fixture is pencilled in for June 22 against Austria at the Dallas Cowboys’ ATandT Stadium. The defending champions currently sit top of Group J, level on points but with a superior goal difference to Austria.
Victory would guarantee Argentina’s progression to the knockout phase of the competition. That said, a draw could prove sufficient, given that eight of the leading third-placed sides will advance.