Argentina’s 2026 World Cup debut, a clear 3-0 win over Algeria, was dominated by Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick and became the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match. Behind the spectacular result, however, an episode quickly emerged that created tension in Argentina.
A TV presenter, Florencia Pena, announced live a wrong information that Messi’s father had died. Later, she explained that she took the news at the moment, considering that it had been verified by the editorial team. The footballer’s family immediately denied the rumor, stating that Jorge Messi is alive, but has health problems and is under medical supervision.
Following strong reactions, the presenter publicly apologized and admitted the error, and later resigned from Luzu TV.
“I’ve been through some rough days!”
Despite his excellent performance on the pitch, Messi was caught crying after the match against Algeria. According to journalist Eduardo Feinmann, his reaction would have been influenced by his father’s delicate state of health, which would have affected him deeply recently. Jorge Messi is currently hospitalized in a hospital in Buenos Aires, where he is receiving medical care.
“It was something completely independent of football. I went through some tough days!“, confessed Lionel Messi, at the match with the number 200 for Argentina.
