19/06/2026 06:46 - Entretenimiento
Escenario de estudio de televisión con pantallas de noticias y ambiente de transmisión en vivo profesional
Florencia Peña, a famous Argentine actress and television personality, became the center of a scandal after spreading false information about the alleged death of Jorge Messi, father of Argentina's captain Lionel Messi. The misinformation was broadcast on Luzu TV, a popular Argentine streaming channel, and quickly went viral on social media, causing worldwide concern among fans.
This incident took place on June 18, 2026, just two days after Lionel Messi scored a historic hat-trick in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City. In that match, Messi equaled Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals and became the first player ever to participate in six World Cups.
For international readers unfamiliar with Argentine football culture, Jorge Messi is not just Lionel's father—he is also his long-time agent and manager. Since Lionel's early days in Rosario, Argentina, Jorge has been instrumental in every major career decision, from his transfer to FC Barcelona at age 13 to his move to Inter Miami in 2023.
Jorge Messi is a central figure in Lionel's life, and his absence from the stands during the Algeria match raised eyebrows among fans who are used to seeing him support his son at every international tournament.
After the match against Algeria, Lionel Messi appeared visibly emotional in the press conference, even shedding tears after scoring his first goal of the tournament. When asked about his feelings, the Argentine captain mentioned he had been through "difficult and complicated days" due to family matters, without elaborating further at that moment.
Dr. Guillermo Capuya, a sports medicine specialist, later explained that "distance amplifies emotional suffering" when a loved one is facing health issues, which likely explains Messi's visible emotion during the post-match interviews.
Florencia Peña is a prominent Argentine actress and television host, best known internationally for her role in the popular sitcom "Los Simuladores" and various Argentine telenovelas. She was participating as a panelist on Luzu TV, a digital streaming platform founded by Argentine content creator Lucas "Luzu" Castel, which has gained significant popularity among younger audiences.
Following the incident, reports indicate that Peña cancelled her planned trip to the World Cup in the United States.
In response to the viral misinformation, the Messi family released an official statement on June 18, 2026:
"Jorge Messi is under medical supervision, recovering and evolving favorably. We repudiate the spread of false rumors about his health. We request privacy and remind everyone that only information from official channels is valid."
The statement confirms that Jorge Messi is facing a health condition that remains confidential due to medical privacy, but his recovery is progressing well.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of False Report | June 18, 2026 |
| Media Outlet | Luzu TV (Argentina) |
| Person Responsible | Florencia Peña (Actress/Panelist) |
| False Claim | Death of Jorge Messi |
| Messi's Hat-Trick Date | June 16, 2026 - Kansas City |
| Jorge Messi's Actual Condition | Recovering under medical supervision |
This incident reignited discussions about the responsibility of public figures and communicators when sharing sensitive information without proper verification. In the era of social media, false news can spread globally within minutes, causing irreparable damage before corrections reach the same audience.
The Messi family emphasized that only information from official channels should be considered valid, particularly relevant during global events like the World Cup where misinformation can easily spiral out of control.
Despite the emotional backdrop, Argentina won their opening match 3-0 against Algeria and currently leads Group J with 3 points and a +3 goal difference. Upcoming matches include:
Antonela Roccuzzo, Lionel's wife, posted a message of support on Instagram: "How much I love you," to which Messi responded "I love you," demonstrating the family remains united during this challenging time.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
