Lionel Messi’s Argentina receive harsh FIFA punishment following 2026 World Cup incidents

Lionel Messi’s Argentina have been hit with a significant sanction from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which announced that the AFA must pay a total fine of $321,000 for a series of violations committed throughout the 2026 World Cup.

The penalties cover discriminatory chants and gestures from Argentine fans across matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, England, and Spain, the display of the Falklands flag, and objects thrown onto the pitch during the Switzerland and England matches that delayed kickoff.

As part of the sanction, Argentina must play their next two home matches with stadium capacity capped at 50%, and $100,000 of the fine must be directed toward an anti-discrimination program. A portion of the penalty, one match and $100,000, was suspended on probation.

Individual suspensions handed out for World Cup final brawl

Separately, FIFA also handed down individual sanctions tied to the chaotic scenes that broke out after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.

Leandro Paredes received the harshest punishment, a 10-match suspension and a $90,000 fine, for grabbing Eric Garcia by the neck during the post-match brawl. Nahuel Molina was banned for seven matches and fined $90,000 after clashing with Rodri, while Thiago Almada received a one-match ban and a $30,000 fine.

Assistant coach Roberto Ayala was also sanctioned, banned from the bench for three matches and fined $30,000 after punching Dani Olmo during the fracas. On Spain’s side, Gavi received a one-match suspension and a $30,000 fine as well.

The AFA has confirmed it will formally request the grounds for FIFA’s ruling in order to pursue an appeal through the governing body’s Appeal Committee, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport remaining available as a final recourse should that process not resolve in Argentina’s favor.