Argentinian TV Host Resigns After Falsely Reporting Lionel Messi's Father's Death

AI Summary

An Argentinian TV host, Florencia Peña, resigned after falsely reporting the death of Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi. The report was quickly denied by the Messi family, who stated that Jorge Messi was in hospital with an undisclosed medical issue but was 'progressing favourably'.

The False Report

Members of a news crew in Argentina have lost their jobs after falsely reporting the death of Lionel Messi's father.

Florencia Peña announced on Luzu ⁠TV that Jorge Messi had died and went on to suggest that Messi would not play any further matches in the ongoing World Cup.

The Family's Response

In the aftermath of the report, the ⁠Messi family issued ⁠a statement on Thursday announcing that Messi Sr. was in hospital with an undisclosed medical issue, but was 'progressing favourably'.

The family also expressed their 'profound discomfort' at the lack of sensitivity and respect shown by some individuals in treating a strictly private and family matter.

The Aftermath

Following the report, Peña resigned from her position and issued an apology to the family, blaming the production crew for feeding incorrect ⁠information to her via her earpiece during a live broadcast.

Luzu TV also issued a statement of apology and added that 'those responsible' had been relieved of their duties.

The Impact

According to media reports in Argentina, as many as 10 brands immediately ended their sponsorship of Luzu, a streaming channel.

Lionel Messi is participating in his record sixth World ‌Cup and scored a hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup opener, a 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday in Kansas City.