FIFA have made a decision over Argentina after millions signed a petition demanding the South American nation are handed a permanent ban from future World Cup finals.
Argentina, along with Uruguay and Paraguay, are set to host one match each during the 2030 World Cup finals.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the three main co-hosts of the next World Cup, but three matches will be played in South America to mark the 100th anniversary of the first-ever World Cup finals, hosted by Uruguay in 1930.
Messi will turn 43 years old midway through the 2030 World Cup and may have already retired by the time the tournament begins.
One of Messi’s teammates has brought the curtain down on his international career following the World Cup final defeat to Spain.
FIFA have made a decision over Argentina after millions signed a petition demanding the South American nation are handed a permanent ban from future World Cup finals.
A staggering 23,316,108 people signed the “Leave, Argentina” petition, which reportedly called for a lifetime ban on the Argentina national team, according to Euro News, via GOAL.
Argentina’s ‘dirty’ tactics during the 2026 World Cup, followed by the unsavoury post-match altercations that marred the final against Spain at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, left a bitter taste in the mouths of football fans all over the world.
Argentina’s players were criticised further after they were seen with their backs turned while Spain’s Rodri lifted the World Cup trophy.
Defender Lisandro Martinez has now provided an explanation, insisting Argentina’s players were not deliberately snubbing their Spanish counterparts.
Meanwhile, FIFA are continuing their investigation into the post-match behaviour of Argentina’s players and coaching staff to determine whether their disciplinary code was violated.
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FIFA 'Confirm' World Cup Decision Over Argentina
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Mark J Rebilas
While individual players are at risk of being punished by FIFA, there are no suggestions that Argentina will be blocked from competing in future tournaments.
In fact, talkSPORT say FIFA have now confirmed that all six host nations for the 2030 World Cup will automatically qualify, meaning Argentina are guaranteed a spot at the next tournament.
Argentina, along with Uruguay and Paraguay, are set to host one match each during the 2030 World Cup finals. The games will take place in the three countries’ capital cities: Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Asuncion, respectively.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco are the three main co-hosts of the next World Cup, but three matches will be played in South America to mark the 100th anniversary of the first-ever World Cup finals, hosted by Uruguay in 1930.
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Lionel Messi's Chances of Making 2030 World Cup
Lionel Scaloni and Lionel Messi REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
It’s unlikely that Argentina’s legendary captain Lionel Messi will be part of the squad that attempts to win the World Cup trophy back in four years’ time.
The 39-year-old was sensational in North America up until the final, scoring eight goals and registering a further four assists.
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Messi will turn 43 years old midway through the 2030 World Cup and may have already retired by the time the tournament begins.
One of Messi’s teammates has brought the curtain down on his international career following the World Cup final defeat to Spain. Defender Nicolas Otamendi, 38, released an emotional statement last week confirming he will no longer represent La Albiceleste after 139 appearances.
