Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, will face a half-empty stadium in his next home game with Argentina. FIFA has imposed sanctions on the 2022 World Cup champions and their arch-rivals Brazil for failing to control their fans in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Maracana.
What happened at the Maracana?
The match between Brazil and Argentina on November 2023 was delayed by 27 minutes due to clashes among supporters. Messi led his team off the pitch until the police restored order. When the game finally started, Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 and handed them their first home defeat in World Cup qualifying history.
How did FIFA react?
FIFA fined both teams 50,000 Swiss francs for “failure to ensure that law and order are maintained”. Argentina also received an additional fine of 20,000 Swiss francs for “lack of order or discipline in or around the stadium”. FIFA said that the money from the fines would be “invested in a plan against discrimination”.
FIFA also warned Argentina that they could face another fine of 50,000 Swiss francs if they repeat their misconduct in the next six months.
What are the consequences for the teams?
Argentina will have to play their next home game, which is against Chile in September, with “at least 50% of the available seats” empty. This means that Messi and his teammates will miss the support of half of their fans in a crucial match.
READ ALSO: Kempes: Messi made the right choice by joining Inter Miami in 2023
Brazil, on the other hand, will not face any stadium restrictions, but they will have to improve their performance on the pitch. The five-time World Cup winners are currently sixth in the South American qualification table, behind Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Chile and Venezuela.
What are the prospects for the 2026 World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature 48 teams for the first time. The top six teams from South America will qualify directly, while the seventh-placed team will have to play an intercontinental playoff.
Argentina, who won their third World Cup title in Qatar in 2022, are the leaders of the group with nine points from three matches. Brazil, who lost to France in the quarter-finals, have seven points from four games.
The next round of qualifiers will see Peru host Argentina, Uruguay face Brazil, Ecuador clash with Colombia, Paraguay take on Bolivia and Venezuela challenge Chile. You can follow the latest news and updates on the FIFA website.
