The broadcaster in Argentina who falsely claimed Lionel Messi’s dad had died has issued an emotional apology and stepped down from her job with the broadcaster.
The Messi family issued a statement on Thursday explaining that Jorge, 68, is undergoing a ‘health situation’ after his son was seen in tears during defending champion Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria on Tuesday.
But before they spoke out, the situation had taken an unfortunate turn on Luzu TV’s El Show del Verano in Messi’s homeland, when presenter Florencia Pena told the audience: ‘I don’t want to break bad news, but Messi’s father just died.’
She then added: ‘Right in the middle of the World Cup, he’s going to have to leave.’
Later on Thursday, Pena issued a statement apologizing for the error and saying that she was ‘deeply ashamed’ over what happened.
‘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.
Florencia Pena has stepped down from her job after saying Lionel Messi’s dad had died
Lionel Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals against Algeria
Jorge, 68, operates as Messi’s agent and business manager, and the pair are extremely close
‘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.’
As the fake news circulated online, Pena stated on air a few moments later: ‘There are a lot of rumors, it’s all over Twitter, it’s not confirmed by any media outlet, we’re clarifying this just in case.’
Messi is extremely close to his dad, 68, who also operates as his agent and de facto business manager, overseeing his son’s multi-million dollar empire off the field.
Luzu TV added: ‘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.’
Pena, who is also an actress, repeated how horrified she was at her error in an interview with America TV on her way out of the Luzu TV studio for the final time.
Pena said after the show that she felt ‘mortified’ over the situation regarding Messi
‘I was on air. I don’t have my phone or computer, I had no idea what was going on. Production told me, “This is happening.” I repeated it, and at that moment he said, “Oh, wait, wait, it hasn’t been checked.” I’m shaking,’ she said.
‘I’m very mortified, it’s the first time something like this has happened to me.’
The Messi family said in a statement on Thursday that while Jorge has not been well, he is recovering.
They said: ‘The Messi family reports that Jorge is going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within his condition.
‘In light of the reports, rumors, 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.
‘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.
Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening World Cup game earlier this week
‘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.’
As for the World Cup itself, Messi put his personal worries to one side as best he could with a stunning display at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
He scored a hat-trick as his team won 3-0 in a perfect start to the tournament – the one many believe will be Messi’s final World Cup.
Argentina and Messi return to action on Monday when they take on Austria in Dallas.
