The Argentines have received penalties, but do not agree with them, punished Messi

The International Football Association (FIFA) has imposed sanctions on several players from Argentina and Spain following their behavior during the World Cup final against Spain last month. The Argentine national team will play its next two home matches behind closed doors due to the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed by some of its players. Among those sanctioned was Lionel Messi, who received a financial penalty after striking an opponent during a match in the Major League Soccer (MLS). During the final match held in East Rutherford, which ended with a 1-0 victory for Spain, tensions escalated between players from both teams. Leandro Paredes, an Argentine midfielder, grabbed Eric Garcia by the collar and got entangled in a scuffle with Gavi, leading to increased hostilities among the players. FIFA has announced disciplinary actions against multiple individuals involved in the incident. Leandro Paredes received the highest penalty, being banned from playing ten international matches and fined $90,000 (approximately €77,000). His fellow Argentine player Nahuel Molina faced a seven-match ban and a similar fine of $90,000. Thiago Almada, another Argentine representative, and Spanish player Gavi were each suspended for one international match and fined $30,000 (around €25,500). The Argentine Football Association has criticized these penalties as excessive, stating they believe the sanctions are disproportionate to the incidents that occurred. Despite this, they have indicated plans to file an appeal regarding the decisions made by FIFA. They emphasized that the World Cup final was an opportunity to raise awareness among players and fans about appropriate behavior within stadiums. In addition to the FIFA sanctions, Messi found himself facing another form of punishment. During a recent MLS match between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union, Messi struck an opponent, Quinn Sullivan, with his open palm near the end of the game. This incident was captured on television footage and led to an exchange of heated words between the players involved. The MLS management confirmed that Messi would receive a monetary penalty for his actions, although the exact amount of the fine has not been disclosed. It was clarified that the sanction imposed on Messi would not affect his ability to participate in future matches, allowing him to return to action immediately following the incident. The Argentine national team's upcoming matches will take place without spectators due to the disciplinary measures taken by FIFA. These games are scheduled to occur in the coming weeks, marking a significant change in how the team will engage with its fan base moving forward. The decision highlights the importance placed on maintaining sportsmanship and discipline within professional football. The incident involving Messi adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions around player conduct in high-stakes competitions. While the specific nature of the penalties imposed on Messi differs from those given to other players, it underscores the broader issue of ensuring that athletes adhere to acceptable standards of behavior throughout all levels of competition.