"Messi's Participation in Remaining Matches Uncertain Due to 'Father's Death'... Argentine Broadcaster Faces Backlash Over False Report [2026 World Cup]"

An Argentine broadcaster has faced significant backlash after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi, the star of Argentina's national football team, might miss the remaining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America due to the death of his father.

According to major foreign news outlets on June 20, Florencia Peña, a host on Argentina's Luz TV, mentioned live on air that Messi's father, Jorge Messi, had suddenly passed away, and this statement quickly spread.

Messi denied the report, clarifying that while it is true his father's health was not good, he is currently recovering.

Peña apologized, stating, "During the broadcast, I received unverified information and made the statement without confirming the facts," and subsequently announced her departure from the program on June 19. The broadcaster has also taken follow-up measures, including terminating contracts with the program's producers and other responsible parties.

Argentina's hero Messi delivered a one-man show with a hat trick, leading his team to a 3-0 victory in the first Group J match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 17 during the North and Central America World Cup group stage.

Messi has become the first player in history to participate in six World Cups, and with a total of 16 World Cup goals, he now shares the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history with Miroslav Klose of Germany.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.