diff --git a/poezio/core/handlers.py b/poezio/core/handlers.py
index cad4d47e9de4491738dbba3d5bc26aa708c71e9e..c344ebd31a6c27cd417475407d2f08c0dc7b6252 100644
--- a/poezio/core/handlers.py
+++ b/poezio/core/handlers.py
@@ -789,6 +789,7 @@ class HandlerCore:
         if not replaced:
             # Messages coming from MUC barejid (Server maintenance, IRC mode
             # changes from biboumi, etc.) are displayed as info messages.
+            highlight = False
             if message['from'].resource:
                 highlight = tab.message_is_highlight(body, nick_from, delayed)
                 ui_msg = PMessage(