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Florencia Peña Announces DEATH of Lionel Messi's Father During 2026 World Cup

"I'm Deeply Ashamed... I Was Wrong" – Tearful host quits her show, production team gets fired as Argentina explodes in outrage. The Messi family forced to break silence amid the chaos. In the heat of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one unverified whisper turned into a national scandal that rocked Argentina and stunned global football fans.

On June 18, actress and host Florencia Peña was live on El Show del Verano for Luzu TV when she dropped a bombshell: Jorge Messi, father of captain Lionel Messi, had just died. "I don't want to give this bad news, but Messi's father has just passed away... He's going to have to leave the World Cup," Peña said on air, according to viral clips. The info came straight through her earpiece – known as the "cucaracha" – from production, presented as confirmed. She trusted it. Millions watching froze in horror.

Eight minutes later, reality hit. Peña backtracked live: "Che, fake... They gave it to me and I wasn't checking." The Messi family quickly confirmed Jorge Messi, 68, is alive and recovering positively from a health issue under medical care. They urged the media to stop speculating and respect their privacy during this sensitive time for the national team.

Peña's Emotional Apology and Career FalloutHours after the blunder, Peña took to X (@Flor_de_P
) with a raw public apology that has racked up millions of views. In her now-viral post: "I apologize to the Messi family for the horrible moment I imagine they are living. I am very ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain.
I must clarify that this false information was given to me mid-broadcast as checked by the production's earpiece and I trusted it.
Even so, I take responsibility... That's why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu.
I apologize again from the heart, I was wrong."

She broke down in tears during follow-up appearances, saying she was "mortified" and had personally messaged Messi's mother, Celia Cuccittini, with heartfelt apologies. "I wrote to Celia... Very sincere ones," she revealed.

Luzu TV moved fast. Host Nicolás Occhiato, a friend of the Messi family, expressed strong indignation. The production team behind the unverified tip was fired. Peña confirmed her exit from the program. Viral Backlash on X: "She Was Smiling While Saying It!"Social media erupted. The apology post became a battlefield. Critics slammed Peña's tone and expression in the original clip, with many claiming she appeared to smile or lack gravity while delivering the news. Viral comments included: "She looked happy giving the news... Unpresentable."

Accusations of political bias and insensitivity toward Argentina's beloved icon, especially amid World Cup pressure.
Others noted the broader issue: "It's human to err, but announcing a death without double-checking is unforgivable."

The clip spread like wildfire across Instagram, YouTube, and X, with millions of views and shares. Fellow journalists like Ángel de Brito and others quickly debunked the rumor, adding fuel to debates on media ethics in live streaming.

Messi Family's Dignified Response

The Messi camp stayed classy. Jorge is recovering well, with his doctor confirming he's nearing discharge. The family highlighted how Jorge has been a pillar in Lionel's career for decades. Inside the Argentine camp, reports emerged that the squad was "hit hard" emotionally by the unnecessary drama.

This fiasco shines a harsh light on the dangers of today's hyper-speed media: live TV and social platforms reward instant scoops over verification. An earpiece rumor became national pain in seconds. Peña owned her role in it, paid with her job, and begged for understanding. Luzu acted decisively.

Yet the wound lingers. In a country where Messi symbolizes unity and glory, tampering – even accidentally – with his family's peace strikes deep. Will this spark real changes in fact-checking for entertainment-news hybrids? Or will it fade as another viral storm? Argentina is watching. The World Cup marches on. Jorge Messi improves. And Florencia Peña faces the lasting cost of one unchecked moment. What do YOU think? Should she be forgiven, or is this career-ending?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9FS5qOwaNU?si=k4gxc0vneOPEPDhK

https://uptownerd./2026/06/19/shocking-florencia-pena-announces-death-of-lionel-messis-father-during-2026-world-cup/no

As a journalist, you of all people ought to know that you need to verify news before putting out to the public. This is such a heavy blow to her career, I hope Messi's family and the Argentines forgive her.

Oh, fake news. Na she know.

x

How unfortunate and irresponsible from a media outfit.

we have many like her in nigeria, fake news agents everywhere

She be wan be the first to carry the news

These one na newscaster from hell which kind mistake be that but dem for no sack am na

I hope they have not threatened her?

To err is human , the lady has apologized , what else do you want?

Don't forget what Messi did at the world cup without being punished

Cho cho cho career. This one went overboard. If she had announced that South Africa was sent beck to their cantry, we will love her more.

Nigerians will defend fake news broadcaster as long as it appeals to their fragile emotions

Check her well
Na Christian Ronaldo girlfriend

dominique:
As a journalist, you of all people ought to know that you need to verify news before putting out to the public. This is such an heavy blow to her career, I hope Argentines forgive her

I'm not sure you read the article.

She was live on air and given the info from production crew. How's that any fault of hers? Is she supposed to be verifying while on air?

What was she thinking about? Or the recent hattrick goal of Messi got to her, making Messi the all-time highest goal scorer in the World Cup alongside Miroslav Klose but edging Klose with assists?

Insensitive and always rushing to break unconfirmed news is insanity

AdamuKD:
Check her well
Na Christian Ronaldo girlfriend

You're absolutely right.

It's Christian Ronaldo's girlfriend.

erad:
I'm not sure you read the article.

She was live on air and given the info from production crew. How's that any fault of hers? Is she supposed to be verifying while on air?

She announced it without seeking for confirmation first. She just put it out there as if it was already an established fact

dominique:
She announced it without seeking for confirmation first. She just put it out there as if it was already an established fact

Seeking for confirmation from whom? Is it not those that should give confirmation that gave her the info? How's she supposed to know they didn't do their due diligence? Its not a prerecorded show, it's live?

dominique:
As a journalist, you of all people ought to know that you need to verify news before putting out to the public. This is such an heavy blow to her career, I hope Messi's family and the Argentines forgive her.

How was she supposed to verify on live TV...?


Her production team ( which should have verified/confirmed) gave her the news on live TV through the ear peice thing as breaking news.



It's not her fault even though she is taking responsibility for the mistake.


It's like the head of an organization taking responsibility for the mistake of subordinates because they put them there to do the job and accept responsibility for the failure of those surbordinates.



It's not a direct acceptance of failure on her part... it's just a thing of principle common with some countries. Not in Nigeria o!

That's what happens when mainstream broadcast stations are now getting news from social media

Isn't the editor the one to resign?

Accursed, Argentina remains.

dominique:
She announced it without seeking for confirmation first. She just put it out there as if it was already an established fact

Surely, you have had something to drink this morning.

The lady is a C. Ronaldo fan

gboye93:
She be wan be the first to carry the news

lol

Una no dey pity person?

You think every other place is like Nigeria where things happen without consequences?

chiefolododo:
I hope they have not threatened her?

To err is human , the lady has apologized , what else do you want?

Don't forget what Messi did at the world cup without being punished

chiefolododo:
I hope they have not threatened her?

To err is human , the lady has apologized , what else do you want?

Don't forget what Messi did at the world cup without being punished

.
Who says she's not been forgiven? Oyibos like to resign when something horrible happens in the career.

Dem go burn her house

She dey play with fire

Mainstream media acting like a wanna-be blog.

Got the news from headset, no verification, no research, straight up announcement.

All the crew members should resign and the head of production be penalized by having his production right withheld for 5 and-a-half years.

Very witchcraft like behavior. A complete joy spoiler, who acted as if enemies of the country sent her to ruin the chances of their idol securing back to back World Cup victory.

She wanted to be the first to break the fake news. She appeared like she was wishing and waiting for the man to pass on. God pass them.

Meanwhile Messi continues to rule the football world, even from the USA.

Please note eight raw and unadulterated football talents who ever graced the pitch.

1. Leo Messi
2. Maradona
3. Pele
4. Ronaldinho
5. Augustine Okocha
6. Garrincha, although I did not see him physically, but his videos are there.
7. Zinedine Zidane. A total player. Almost unstoppable with the ball. Flawless movement. Two legged player.
8. Johan Cryuff.

These wizards of football brought joy and peace to people’s homes. These were and are the greatest men who made watching football pleasurable.

In front of goalkeepers, Messi’s angles are completely unpredictable.

In Ngerua it can't happen infact some people will defend her, some will call it a skit.

It's in Nigeria a TV programme anchor called Oseni on live show threatened somebody in 2023 yet was supported and hailed as a good boy.

The lady make a very big mistake I believe she forgot she is not a Nigerian and not on Nigeria TV show where everything goes programme anchor will threaten those he invited for interview, somebody who was invited to be interview will threaten programme anchor etc.

Taking responsibility for failure has been seen all over the world except for Nigeria leaders.

Taking hard drugs
Not good for ours mental health

At least she accepted her mistakes and apologized. In Nigeria,she will come on air the next morning and insult everybody. She will now put a background song that says" nobody holy pass"

Or nobody is above mistakes..