UMVA has learned that a shocking incident occurred during a live broadcast on Luzu TV, where host Florencia Pena falsely announced that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had passed away.
The fake news sent shockwaves online, with Pena attempting to clarify the situation moments later, stating that there were many rumors circulating on Twitter and other media outlets, and that they were working to verify the information.
However, the damage was done, and Pena subsequently issued a tearful apology for the error, expressing deep shame and taking responsibility for being part of the mistake, ultimately deciding to step aside and end her participation in Luzu TV.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Luzu TV management took swift action, dismissing all those responsible for the incident, including Pena, and reaffirming their commitment to responsible and respectful communication.
Meanwhile, Messi's family released a statement revealing that Jorge is dealing with a health-related situation, but is progressing favorably under medical supervision, and asked for sensitivity, respect, and discretion in regards to their private family matter.
The family emphasized that only they have accurate information about Jorge's condition, and urged people to respect their privacy and confidentiality, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support and concern from fans and the public.
Lionel Messi himself was visibly emotional during Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria, shedding tears after scoring a goal, and later spoke about the difficult days he had faced, crediting his teammates and delegation for their support during that challenging time.
