Lionel Messi’s Argentina Faces Four FIFA Sanctions Before 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Argentina is set for a tough kickoff in the September FIFA international window, marking the last qualifiers for Lionel Messi as an active player with the national team. A recent report from FIFA outlined sanctions against various national associations for misconduct during the June international matches.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has faced three penalties related to organizational issues, including fan behavior, discrimination, and problems in the stands. Additionally, midfielder Enzo Fernandez received a personal sanction for a red card he obtained against Colombia, bringing Argentina’s total to four penalties.

These penalties consist of fines amounting to 150,000 euros, a decrease in stadium capacity for their next home game, and a two-match suspension for Fernandez, who will miss the crucial qualifiers against Ecuador and Venezuela.

Three of the four penalties resulted from Argentina’s home draw against Colombia, while the remaining one is from their 1-0 victory over Chile featuring Messi.

FIFA sanctions for Argentina

• Argentina vs. Chile: Security and order violations, use of fireworks or other objects – Article 17, 17.2.c – Fine: 1,000 Swiss francs.
• Argentina vs. Colombia: Discrimination and racist abuse – Article 15 – Implementation of a preventive plan, 25% reduction in stadium capacity for next home match or alternative allocation of seats to a special group – Fine: 120,000 Swiss francs.
• Argentina vs. Colombia: Player or official misconduct, team misconduct – Article 14, 14.5 – Fine: 20,000 Swiss francs.
• Argentina vs. Colombia: Serious player or official misconduct – Article 14, 14.1.e – Enzo Fernandez – Two-match suspension, fine of 5,000 Swiss francs.

Other CONMEBOL associations, including Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Bolivia, were also mentioned in FIFA’s report concerning various infractions committed by players and teams across South America.

Gianni Taina is a bilingual journalist, fluent in English and Spanish, who specializes in soccer, the NBA, and tennis. He began his career in 2020 with Mundo Deportivo US and has covered major sports events such as the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the NBA Finals. Now with Bolavip US, Gianni continues to report on a variety of sports, including European soccer and MLS.