Lionel Messi's Argentina has faced significant repercussions from FIFA's Disciplinary Committee, which has imposed a fine of $321,000 on the Argentine Football Association (AFA) due to multiple infractions during the 2026 World Cup.

Details of the Sanctions

The sanctions stem from various incidents involving Argentine fans, including discriminatory chants and gestures during matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain. Additionally, the display of the Falklands flag and objects thrown onto the pitch during the matches against Switzerland and England, which caused delays in kickoff, contributed to the penalties. As part of the ruling, Argentina is required to limit the capacity of their next two home matches to 50%, and $100,000 of the fine will be allocated to an anti-discrimination initiative. Notably, a portion of the penalty, including one match and $100,000, has been suspended on probation.

Individual Punishments for Post-Match Incidents

In a separate matter, FIFA has also issued individual sanctions related to the altercations that occurred following Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19. Leandro Paredes received the most severe punishment, facing a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine for his involvement in the brawl. Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-match ban and a $90,000 fine for his confrontation with Rodri, while Thiago Almada received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine. Additionally, assistant coach Roberto Ayala was banned from the bench for three matches and fined $30,000 for punching Dani Olmo during the incident. On the Spanish side, Gavi was also suspended for one match and fined $30,000.

The AFA has announced plans to formally request the rationale behind FIFA's decisions, indicating their intention to appeal through the governing body's Appeal Committee. Should this appeal not yield a favorable outcome, the AFA has the option to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.