Grief and Remembrance: Lussich and Pallares Mourn the Loss of Mercedes “Meche” Portillo
The Argentine media landscape is in mourning following the death of Mercedes “Meche” Portillo on March 26, 2025. her colleagues, Rodrigo Lussich and Adrián Pallares, have publicly expressed their profound grief and shared heartfelt tributes to the beloved journalist and personality.
Lussich, visibly moved, revealed a deeply personal letter he had written to Portillo, sharing a portion with his audience. He described her final journey as one “without suffering,” and expressed hope for a future reunion: “Now you are flying through new and clean, healthy and colorful air! One day I will catch up with you and we will fly together again!” He acknowledged the outpouring of support, stating, “thank you all for your love, your prayers and your words. I know that they came and accompanied him on a journey without suffering.”
Lussich also made a poignant request to Portillo’s followers, asking them to offer comfort to her family. “Meche’s sister and mother have her cell phone and will later be able to see her Instagram account @mechaline.Fill the account with messages that they will read,” he urged.
Adrián Pallares echoed the sentiment of loss, describing Portillo as a “lifelong fighter, a talented, good, loving person and above all a friend to her friends, a loving daughter and sister companion.” He recalled a recent, joyful evening spent with Portillo and Lussich.“I just want to remember her just like in the photo,” he wrote on Instagram, referencing a shared image. He continued, remembering a lunch with Lussich on the previous Saturday that stretched until after three in the morning, a gathering he now realizes was their last together.
Pallares’ tribute was filled with gratitude for Portillo’s impact on his life. “Thank you for having crossed your path into my life, thank you for always being so affectionate with me, thank you for taking care of me and taking care of us in everything that had to do with work and in life. Thank you for your love of fighting and giving everything and not giving up on anything. Thank you for that contagious love for all of us who sometimes complain about stupid things.” He concluded with a declaration of enduring love: ”I love you today and for life, dear companion.”
The news of Portillo’s passing sparked a wave of condolences on social media, with colleagues, media figures, and fans expressing their sorrow. Messages of support for Lussich and Pallares, and remembrance of Portillo’s warmth and spirit, flooded online platforms. Examples included: “I’m very sorry, guys, I know about your love for her. I’m with you in this loss,” “Huge love, friends, I hug you from the depths of my soul,” and “Big hug to both of you. She will be missed very much.”
