20/06/2026 04:16 - Actualidad
Un concejo deliberante con bancas de madera, banderas argentinas en el fondo y luz natural entrando por ventanas altas, representando una sesión legislativa
On Friday, June 19, 2026, the City Council of La Plata (the capital of Buenos Aires Province and Argentina's second-largest city) received a formal declaration project expressing institutional condemnation of Florencia Peña, one of Argentina's most recognizable television personalities. The reason? She broadcast false information about the supposed death of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi—Argentina's iconic captain who led the national team to World Cup victory in 2022 and is currently competing in the 2026 tournament.
Peña announced the news on Luzu TV, a popular Argentine streaming platform, without verifying sources. The rumor spread rapidly across social media, causing distress among millions of Argentine fans during the ongoing World Cup 2026 being held in the United States, where Messi has already matched Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.
Lionel Messi is widely considered one of the greatest soccer players in history. In Argentina, he holds near-mythical status after leading the national team to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. His father, Jorge Messi, has been his lifelong manager and closest advisor. The Messi family is from Rosario, Argentina's third-largest city, located about 180 kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires.
Florencia Peña is a veteran Argentine actress and television host with over 25 years of career in mainstream media. She currently hosts a program on Luzu TV, a digital streaming channel that has gained massive popularity among younger Argentine audiences.
The initiative was presented by Councilor Gastón Álvarez of La Libertad Avanza (LLA), the libertarian political party led by economist Javier Milei, who became President of Argentina in December 2023. The motion calls for the legislative body to express its strongest rejection of the fake news dissemination.
| Motion Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Institutional Condemnation | Formal rejection of Peña's conduct for spreading unverified information |
| Solidarity with Messi | Official expression of support for the soccer star during World Cup competition |
| Call for Responsibility | Urging communicators to exercise extreme caution with sensitive public information |
The Messi family quickly issued an official statement denying the rumor and clarifying that Jorge Messi is recovering favorably under medical supervision. According to family sources, he had been experiencing health complications related to age, but his condition is stable and improving.
The false news originated from social media accounts that were then picked up by the streaming program without proper fact-checking. This highlights the risks of real-time broadcasting in the digital era, where hosts often comment on breaking news as it unfolds.
Migue Granados, host of Olga (another major Argentine streaming show), was consulted about the scandal. Known for his interview program that has featured major celebrities and politicians, Granados chose not to heavily criticize his colleague:
When asked whether new verification protocols were implemented at Olga following the incident, he responded: Obviously, we all learn from things that happen, but no, nothing changed here.
This incident has reignited discussions about professionalization in Argentine streaming media. Unlike traditional television and radio, which have decades-established editorial standards, streaming platforms often operate with younger production teams and fewer fact-checking protocols.
The motion presented in La Plata argues that such episodes affect information security and family tranquility. Councilor Álvarez described Messi as a cultural and moral heritage of the Nation—a status that demands special treatment in media coverage involving his family.
Granados denied any tensions with Messi's inner circle, stating: Everything that was said was lies. We're covering the World Cup from the U.S., and we've interacted with players—everything is fine.
The introduction of this motion opens debate in La Plata's legislative arena, where the City Council will decide whether to proceed with an institutional declaration. This parliamentary process could set a precedent regarding communicator responsibility in the streaming era—a conversation that extends far beyond Argentina's borders as digital platforms continue reshaping global media consumption.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
