Argentine television host, Florencia Pea has resigned from her role at Luzu TV after falsely reporting that Lionel Messis father, Jorge Messi, had died, sparking widespread outrage and criticism over the dissemination of unverified information about the football stars family.The incident occurred during a live broadcast of Luzu TVs El Show del Verano, just two days after Messi inspired Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the programme, Pea announced what she described as breaking news, saying, I dont want to break bad news, but Messis father just died. She further speculated that the Argentina captain would have to leave the tournament, adding, Right in the middle of the World Cup, hes going to have to leave. However, the Messi family quickly debunked the report, confirming that Jorge Messi was alive and receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition.He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition, the family stated. They also condemned the spread of false information, adding, The family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.Following the backlash, Pea admitted that she had relied on information that had not been properly verified by her team.I have to clarify that this false information was given to me live on air as if it had been checked by the shows production team, and I trusted it, she wrote on her Instagram Story. The presenter later issued a public apology to the Messi family and announced her departure from the channel. I apologize to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. I am very ashamed to have been the vehicle for this pain. I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that is why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu.Luzu TV also condemned the incident, stating that disciplinary action had been taken against those responsible.Luzu TV deeply regrets what happened on air during the program. Our channel finds the dissemination of sensitive information without proper prior verification unacceptable, the station said in a statement. We reaffirm our commitment to responsible, respectful and rigorous communication.The controversy drew sharp criticism from across Argentina, including President Javier Milei, who accused Pea of acting irresponsibly.The aberrant and unscrupulous unchecked statements by Florencia Pea remind us of the impunity with which some individuals believe they can operate simply by holding a microphone or a pen in hand, Milei wrote on social media, later praising the broadcaster for issuing an immediate correction.The false report emerged amid heightened public attention on Messi, who scored a hat-trick in Argentinas World Cup opener. After netting his first goal, the football icon was seen wiping away tears, prompting intense speculation about his emotional state.Addressing the moment after the match, Messi stated, Ive had some tough days. It wasnt related to football. I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me. The post TV host quits after she falsely reported Messis father died during World Cup appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.
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