Messi Faces FIFA Trouble: What’s Happening?

FIFA has sanctioned the Argentinian national team for their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifying match in South America.

Argentina will face Venezuela and Ecuador in the final two matches of the South American World Cup 2026 qualifying round this September. However, when they host Venezuela at the Monumental Stadium, Lionel Messi and his teammates will not have the full support of their home crowd.

FIFA has penalized the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) following discriminatory and homophobic behavior by fans during their match against Colombia. FIFA has ruled that one stand will be reserved for children and non-governmental organizations to promote the message against discrimination.

The AFA stated in a release: “The Centenario Baja stand will be reserved for children and NGOs dedicated to fighting against this behavior.

Simultaneously, a section of the Centenario Alta stand will display banners promoting awareness and helping to eliminate discrimination in stadiums… Several activities will be implemented to raise awareness among fans during the match against Venezuela.”

Previously, FIFA opened an investigation into alleged racist chants during the match against Brazil, which Argentina won 4-1. FIFA initially announced that La Albiceleste would play with limited attendance against Colombia, but the match ultimately took place with a full stadium.

Notably, the match against Venezuela could be Messi’s last at the Monumental, located in Buenos Aires, as a player for Argentina.

Argentina has only one home game remaining in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers before the tournament next summer. This suggests that Messi may conclude his international career after the 2026 World Cup, an event he hasn’t officially confirmed his participation in.

Messi has an impressive record for Argentina, with 112 goals and 61 assists in 193 appearances.

Despite challenges and setbacks, Messi ultimately achieved major titles, including two Copa America titles (2021, 2024), the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup victory.