Lionel Messi’s Argentina could be sanctioned by FIFA following 4-1 win over Brazil

Argentina, led by captain Lionel Messi, have proven themselves one of the strongest national teams, securing their 2026 World Cup ticket after defeating Brazil and Uruguay in the recent international window. However, their strong run on the pitch could be overshadowed by a potential sanction from FIFA.

FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for racist and discriminatory chants during their match against Brazil, which Messi missed due to a muscle injury. As a result, Argentina may be forced to play their next home World Cup qualifier against Colombia behind closed doors.

According to journalist Gaston Edul, AFA has until April 17 to present its defense, which is currently being prepared by its legal department. Recently, AFA was sanctioned with a 50% stadium capacity for the match against Chile at Estadio Monumental back in September, but this was reduced to 25% by FIFA’s Appeals Committee.

At the time, the sanction was due to several factors, including delays in the game against Ecuador, discriminatory behavior by fans, a pitch invasion during the Uruguay match at La Bombonera, and disorder inside and around the stadium during the game against Brazil at the Maracana.

Argentina’s national team players celebrate after defeating Brazil

According to reports from Doble Amarilla, AFA’s defense will argue that despite the tense atmosphere and inflammatory comments made by Brazilian players before the match, which ended in a 4-1 victory for La Albicelest, no violent incidents occurred. They also plan to highlight pre-match, in-game, and post-match campaigns aimed at preventing violence, racism, and discrimination.

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Argentina international left out of recent call-ups by Lionel Scaloni considering switch to Italy

Argentina has two home matches left in the Qualifiers

Argentina has two remaining home matches in the qualifiers, with the next one scheduled for June 9th against Colombia. That game could be affected by the absence of several players expected to participate in the Club World Cup with their clubs, including Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and others.

Meanwhile, Leandro Paredes will be suspended for accumulating yellow cards. In addition to hosting Colombia, La Albiceleste will travel to Chile on June 4 for the upcoming international window.