Lionel Scaloni calls for unity after false reports regarding Lionel Messi's father
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has urged his squad to stay focused on their upcoming World Cup clash against Austria following false reports about the death of Lionel Messi's father.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Sebas
The Argentina national team has been forced to navigate a difficult distraction ahead of their second Group J match at the World Cup. Preparations were disrupted by false reports circulating on social media claiming that Jorge, the father of captain Lionel Messi, had passed away. The Messi family later clarified that he is receiving medical treatment and is recovering well.
The controversy stemmed from a broadcast error on Luzu TV, where presenter Florencia Pena falsely reported the death during a live stream. The incident led to the presenter's resignation and the dismissal of several production staff members, as confirmed by producer Nicolas Occhiato.
We're fine. We're ready to face tomorrow's match. We firmly believe that it's the group that overcomes both good and bad situations. We know that it's always better to be with a friend. That's what we all feel, and he must feel it too. Lionel Scaloni
Head coach Lionel Scaloni moved quickly to address the situation, urging his players to move past the speculation and maintain their focus on football. He stressed that the strength of the collective is the primary tool for overcoming both professional and personal challenges during the tournament.
Looking ahead, Argentina aims to secure a victory against Austria to solidify their path to the knockout stages. Scaloni acknowledged that the match will be a rigorous test, describing the Austrian side as a well-organized, aggressive, and direct opponent that demands full concentration.