Argentine reporter resigns after report on health of Lionel Messi’s father | OneFootball

Although the World Cup is an emotional event for all involved, it did somewhat surprise that both Lionel Messi and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni were in tears following their 3-0 win over Algeria. The veteran forward scored an historic hat-trick, but there was swift speculation over the motives for those tears.

Shortly after the 3-0 win over Algeria it was reported that the Messi family were dealing with an illness in the family, and that it could well be related to his father, Jorge Messi. There were even some reports in Argentina that he had passed away.

Messi family statement on health of Jorge Messi

Lionel Messi and his father (Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)

That was swiftly denied by none other than Messi himself. The family released a statement confirming that Jorge Messi was ‘going through a health situation’, but that he was receiving treatment and progressing well. They expressed consternation at the lack of respect for their privacy, and noted that only the family had access to the real information on the situation, and that any other reporting was simply untrue.

Argentine reporter resigns over Jorge Messi death report

Image via LM Neuquen.

The blowback in Argentina has been significant, and has cost at least one reporter their job. Florencia Pena was the person who reported that Messi Snr. had passed away, and has since resigned. She announced the news live on Luzu TV, and put out the following statement on social media.