20/06/2026 13:26 - Entretenimiento
Escena de un estudio de televisión con pantallas mostrando noticias de entretenimiento, una persona frente a cámaras profesionales, iluminación moderna en tonos azules y rojos, ambiente de programa en vivo
On June 18, 2026, Argentine actress and television host Florencia Peña—a household name in Argentina known for her work in popular entertainment programs—broadcast a shocking piece of misinformation during Luzu TV, a streaming television channel popular among younger Argentine audiences. She reported the alleged death of Jorge Messi, the father of global soccer icon Lionel Messi.
The false rumor spread like wildfire across social media platforms during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting. The timing was particularly sensitive: just two days earlier, on June 16, 2026, Messi had scored a historic hat-trick (locally called a triquete) in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City, equaling German striker Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.
For international readers unfamiliar with Argentine popular culture, Florencia Peña is a well-known Argentine actress, comedian, and television presenter with a career spanning over three decades. She has appeared in numerous television shows, theater productions, and films. She currently co-hosts "Olga," a popular entertainment program that has been running since 2022 on Luzu TV, a digital streaming platform founded by fellow host Migue Granados.
Her role as an entertainment personality makes this incident particularly significant in Argentina, where television personalities hold considerable influence over public opinion.
The Messi family quickly released an official statement denying the rumors and clarifying that Jorge Messi was recovering favorably under medical supervision from a health issue that remains confidential under doctor-patient privilege (known in Argentina as secreto médico).
According to prominent Argentine journalist Yanina Latorre—known for her entertainment reporting and close connections to celebrity circles—Celia Messi, Lionel's mother, reportedly contacted Florencia Peña directly following the incident, expressing her dismay at the misinformation.
The consequences were immediate: Florencia Peña canceled her planned trip to attend the 2026 World Cup in the United States, where she was expected to participate in television coverage and fan events.
The controversy extended beyond entertainment circles into politics. City council member Gastón Álvarez, representing the political coalition La Libertad Avanza (LLA)—a libertarian political party led by economist Javier Milei that gained significant traction in recent Argentine elections—introduced a formal repudiation motion before the City Council of La Plata, the capital of Buenos Aires Province and Argentina's fifth-largest city. The motion expressed institutional rejection of Peña's actions, solidarity with the Messi family, and called for greater media responsibility.
Migue Granados, host of Olga and founder of Luzu TV, addressed the controversy by stating that "anyone can make a mistake" and confirmed that the program has not changed its information verification protocols. This response has sparked debates about journalistic standards in entertainment media.
The incident highlights the growing tension between fast-paced entertainment news and responsible journalism, particularly in an era where social media amplifies misinformation within minutes.
The scandal occurred during what should have been a purely celebratory moment for Argentine football. Lionel Messi played his 200th match with the Argentine National Team on June 16, 2026, in Kansas City, one of the host cities for the tournament. His parents were notably absent from the stadium stands due to Jorge Messi's health condition.
Jorge Messi has been instrumental in his son's career, serving not only as his father but also as his business manager and key advisor throughout Lionel's journey from Rosario, Argentina, to becoming one of the greatest footballers in history. His influence extends beyond family ties—he is considered one of the most important figures in Argentine football management.
| Argentina in World Cup 2026 | Details |
|---|---|
| Group Standing | Group J - 1st place with 3 points (+3 goal difference) |
| Next Match | vs Austria on June 22, 2026 at 22:00 in Dallas |
| Messi's Record | 16 World Cup goals (tied with Klose) |
Alfredo S. Quiroga
