Argentine TV presenter Florencia Pena has resigned after falsely reporting that Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, had died.

The 51-year-old made this statement to Jorge, 68, on Luzu TV's El Show del Verano in Argentina.

"I apologize to the Messi family for the terrible moment I imagine they are going through. I am deeply ashamed to have been the cause of this pain."

"I must clarify that this false information was given to me during the broadcast by the guys in the editorial office, as was later confirmed by the program's production team, but I believed it. And I take full responsibility."

"I don't feel well, it has been and continues to be a very difficult moment for me. I apologize to the Messi family and to all those who have felt affected or hurt by this situation. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak."