The family of soccer superstar Lionel Messi has publicly denied rumors circulating online about the alleged death of his father, Jorge Messi, after inaccurate information was broadcast during a live streaming program in Argentina.

The controversy began when Argentine actress and television host Florencia Peña announced during a live episode of El Show del Verano on LUZU TV that Jorge Messi had died. The report quickly spread across social media and news outlets before being proven false.

In response, Messi’s family clarified that Jorge Messi is alive and currently recovering from health issues that were already known within his close circle. The statement aimed to reassure relatives, friends, and millions of fans worldwide, particularly as Lionel Messi is currently competing with Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Peña, the information was relayed to her by members of the show's production team through internal communications while she was on air. Believing the report had been verified, she shared it with viewers during the live broadcast.

Following the backlash, Peña publicly apologized for the mistake and acknowledged the seriousness of the incident.

“I want to offer my deepest apologies,” she said, expressing regret over the dissemination of the false report.

The incident has reignited debate about journalistic responsibility and fact-checking standards in the era of digital media, streaming platforms, and real-time content distribution. Media analysts note that the speed of online information can often outpace proper verification procedures, particularly when sensitive topics involving health or death are involved.

The story gained international attention because of Lionel Messi’s global profile. In recent days, following a standout performance for Argentina at the World Cup, Messi had spoken about going through a difficult personal period, fueling speculation about his family's situation.

After the controversy escalated, LUZU TV reportedly announced internal measures regarding those responsible for the dissemination of the false information. Local reports also indicated that Florencia Peña decided to step away from the project following the incident.

For now, the Messi family continues to firmly reject the rumors and has called for caution when sharing unverified information. The episode serves as another reminder of the dangers of misinformation in the digital age, especially when it concerns public figures whose lives are closely followed by millions around the world.