26/06/2026 19:26 - Entretenimiento
Nicolás Occhiato and the entire Luzu TV team are set to return to Argentina on Saturday, June 26, 2026, concluding their on-site coverage of the World Cup 2026 amid a heated controversy with actress Florencia Peña. Their departure from the United States coincides with shocking reports rocking Argentina's streaming world: the massive sum the actress allegedly plans to claim from the host following her scandalous departure from the channel.
Luzu TV is one of Argentina's most popular streaming channels, founded by influencer Nico Occhiato. 'Nadie Dice Nada' (Nobody Says Anything) is their flagship talk show. Flor Peña is a renowned Argentine actress and TV personality. The World Cup 2026 is being hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Journalist Ángel de Brito revealed on LAM (América TV, one of Argentina's main television networks) that Peña would demand full payment of her contract with the channel, a sum that would reach 200 million Argentine pesos. According to reports, this wouldn't be just severance pay: the legal claim, which the actress reportedly placed in the hands of lawyer Fernando Burlando (one of Argentina's most high-profile attorneys), includes:
| Claim Concept | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Fulfillment | Full payment originally agreed upon |
| Settlement | Pending payments |
| Advertising Revenue Percentage | Sponsored content released after her departure |
| Damages | Compensation for reputational harm |
Sources close to Occhiato's legal team suggested the figure could increase even further if the case goes to trial, so both parties would keep the door open for an out-of-court settlement. Neither party has officially confirmed the claim.
Although the early return fueled speculation of a forced withdrawal, LAM panelist Fefe Bongiorno clarified that the trip always had an expiration date. "They said it themselves," he noted, reminding viewers that the team's goal was to cover only the group stage.
The original plan: Once Argentina closes the group stage against Jordan this Saturday — already qualified and with first place in Group J secured — Occhiato and his team will return to broadcast from their Buenos Aires studio, as planned from the start.
Argentina's national team will play their Round of 32 match on Friday, July 3, 2026 in Miami, without the channel's on-site coverage.
Far from retreating, the host was categorical on his social media accounts:
"Our World Cup coverage was always planned and communicated until the Round of 32, after Argentina's match in Miami. It's curious everything they tried to install: first that we were going to be deported, then that sponsors had dropped us, and now that we're returning early... Strange, isn't it?"
Occhiato also denied rumors of a mass sponsor exodus: "To everyone celebrating that this was the end of Luzu, no brand dropped us and we will go to the matches. Everything that was said was also a lie."
Marley (whose real name is Alejandro Wiebe, one of Argentina's most recognized TV hosts), who currently hosts Por el mundo (Around the World) on Telefe (a major Argentine TV network) from the United States, responded to Ángel de Brito and clarified his position:
"Without Flor, there is no 'Show del verano'", Marley stated, making his position clear regarding the program that has already stopped airing.
"Flor and I always talk and we get along perfectly", Marley concluded, clearing any doubts about his relationship with the actress.
The host announced that next week he will meet face-to-face with Nico Occhiato in Miami to define how the situation proceeds. "Next week I'm going to meet with Nico Occhiato in Miami and we'll see how the issue continues", he stated.
The scandal originated when Florencia Peña aired a false news story about the death of Jorge Messi, father of football superstar Lionel Messi. The information proved to be incorrect and generated strong negative backlash. As a consequence:
Argentina has already qualified for the Round of 32 as Group J leaders with 6 points and a +5 goal difference. Their next match is against Jordan on Saturday, June 27 at 23:00 (local time) in Dallas. In the Round of 32, they will face the second-place team from Group H on Friday, July 3 at 19:00 in Miami.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
