ARGENTINE TV presenter Florencia Pena has quit her role after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi’s father Jorge had died.
The 51-year-old made the claim about Jorge, 68, while working on Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano in Argentina.
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Florencia Pena made a false claim on Argentine TVCredit: Refer to source
Messi has a close relationship with dad Jorge Credit: Instagram @jorge.sole
Messi, 38, rolled back the years by scoring a brilliant hat-trick as his country launched their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Algeria.
The veteran superstar was seen in tears after one of his goals, an incident which prompted an incorrect claim by Pena.
She said on air: “I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.”
Pena went on to continue: “Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.”
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Messi, 38, was emotional after scoring against Algeria Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
Pena released a statement following her mistake Credit: Instagram @flor_de_p
A Messi family statement later confirmed that Pena’s claim was not correct.
It read: “The Messi family reports that Jorge is going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within his condition.
“In light of the reports, rumours, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and decency with which some people have treated a situation that is strictly private and family-related.
“Only his closest family has real and accurate information about Jorge’s condition.
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“Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come from the family itself and its corresponding channels should not be considered valid or truthful.
“At times like this, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.
“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of support, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process. Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and through the appropriate channels.”
Pena went on to apologise in a statement of her own, while confirming that she had parted ways with Luzu TV.
She said: “I apologise to the Messi family for the awful moment I imagine they are going through. 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 apologise again from the heart; I was wrong.”
Luzu TV added in a further statement: “We deeply regret the incident that occurred on air during the program. For our channel, broadcasting sensitive information without proper prior verification is unacceptable.
“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.”
Following Argentina’s win, Messi admitted that his tears were nothing to do with football.
The Inter Miami star said: “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football.
“I went through some difficult days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my team-mates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it.”
Reigning world champions Argentina will return to action against Austria in Arlington on Tuesday.
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