A TV presenter from Argentina, Florencia Pena, stepped down from Luzu TV after falsely claiming on air that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, died during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pena made the announcement after Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria, where Messi scored a hat-trick.
Messi's family stated that Jorge, 68, is receiving medical treatment and recovering.
Pena issued a public apology and resigned after her apology.
She told viewers, 'I don't want to break bad news, but Messi's father just died.'
Messi's family expressed 'deep discomfort' with the lack of sensitivity and respect shown by some people discussing their private family matter.
