Lionel Messi and Argentina are leading the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in South America with 15 points after 6 matches. However, recently the 2022 World Cup champion was punished by the World Football Federation (FIFA) .

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ordered the partial closure of Argentina’s national stadium. This penalty comes from an incident that occurred during matches taking place from September to November 2023. Argentina must seal off at least 50% of the seats at the stadium they choose to host the match with Chile. in September 2024.

According to FIFA, this decision is the result of “wrongdoing by the Argentine team (delaying the match), discrimination by fans and encroachment on the field” during the clashes with FIFA. Ecuador and Uruguay.

In addition to the above penalty, the Argentine Football Federation must pay a fine of 58,000 USD for incidents in 2 qualifying matches and 23,000 USD for “lack of order and discipline in and around the stadium” in the match at Maracana Stadium when Messi and his teammates face Brazil.

On June 26, the Argentina team entered their first match at Copa America 2024, against Chile. Lionel Scaloni and his team are in Group A.