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The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has overturned a sanction against Lionel Messi’s Argentina ahead of their World Cup 2026 Qualifier matches next month. After reducing the capacity of the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires by 50 per cent for their upcoming clash against Chile in the World Cup 2026 Qualifier, FIFA have now reduced it to just 25 per cent .
Notably, the decision from F
IFA to sanction Argentina came in the aftermath of the homophobic chants by midfielder Enzo Fernandez and other Argentinian players after winning the Copa America 2024 final against Colombia 1-0. Lautaro Martinez had scored the winner in the 112th minute at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, to hand Argentina their 16th continental title in football.
As per the report from Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, FIFA reconsidered their decision of sanctioning Argentina following an appeal by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). It led to the Estadio Mas Monumental's capacity reduced to 25%, instead of the initial 50%, which will allow Argentina to take on Colombia in the FIFA World Cup Qualifier match in front of approximately 63,000 fans on September 10.
Moreover, Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina, who was slated to miss the upcoming two FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Chile and Colombia, has expressed his desire to play in them, according to the MSN report. During the Copa America 2024 final last month, the Argentina legend was subbed off before the final whistle, and he was spotted with a swollen right ankle in the dugout immediately afterwards.
Also, it is important to note that the right ankle ligament injury has kept Lionel Messi out of full training since last month.
