Argentina have received more bad news shortly after Lionel Messi’s international retirement. FIFA has rejected key appeals, keeping Leandro Paredes’ 10-match suspension and heavy financial penalties against the Argentine Football Association.
Argentina Suffer Major FIFA Blow Shortly After Messi’s International Retirement
Argentina have suffered another major setback shortly after Lionel Messi’s international retirement, with FIFA refusing to reduce several serious punishments against the national team.
The South American giants are preparing for a new era without their legendary captain, but they have now received disappointing news from football’s governing body.
FIFA has officially rejected Argentina’s appeal against Leandro Paredes’ 10-match suspension and confirmed heavy financial penalties against the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
FIFA confirms major punishment for Argentina star
On November 6, the AFA confirmed that FIFA’s Appeals Committee had reviewed the punishments following incidents at the 2026 World Cup.
The sanctions were originally introduced after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19.
Several players were involved in confrontations after the match.
Leandro Paredes received a 10-match international suspension and a $90,000 fine.
Argentina appealed the decision, hoping to reduce the midfielder’s punishment.
However, FIFA decided to keep the original sanction.
Argentina also face a huge financial penalty
The bad news does not end with Paredes.
FIFA has also upheld financial punishments against the AFA totalling $321,000.
These penalties were linked to several incidents during the 2026 World Cup, including discriminatory chants, fan behaviour and other disciplinary violations.
However, there was some positive news for Argentina.
Nahuel Molina’s suspension was reduced from seven matches to four, while his fine dropped from $90,000 to $60,000.
Argentina prepare another appeal
Despite FIFA’s decision, the Argentine Football Association is not ready to give up.
The AFA confirmed that it plans to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The federation believes it has enough legal arguments to challenge the remaining punishments.
A difficult period after Messi’s departure
The latest decision comes at a difficult time for Argentina following Messi’s international retirement.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner recently ended his incredible career with the national team, leaving Argentina to prepare for the future without their biggest star.
Although FIFA’s punishments are unrelated to Messi’s retirement, their timing has added to Argentina’s challenges.
With Paredes still facing a lengthy suspension and the AFA preparing another legal appeal, Argentina must deal with more problems as they begin their new chapter without Messi.
