Lionel Messi and Argentina Soccer Team to Face Hefty Fines as Violent Fight Triggers FIFA to Launch Disciplinary Case

Qatar FIFA World Cup is in the last stages with four games to go, including the third-place playoff. We know the four semifinalists, with Lionel Messi led Argentina taking on Croatia and France taking on Morocco in two semifinals. The game that made the headlines in the quarterfinal stage was between Argentina and the Netherlands. The record 17 yellow cards shown during the game has made FIFA open disciplinary actions against both teams.

Argentina won the game in a penalty shootout, but the brawls on and off the pitch marred the win. It will be interesting to see FIFA will impose what fines.

Lionel Messi led Argentina charged by FIFA for a breach of two articles

The game between Argentina and the Netherlands took place on the 9th of December 2022. Argentina led the game comfortably, but the Dutch team made a comeback in the dying moments. The game then went to extra time and then penalties where Argentina prevailed. However, the game saw player brawls and misconduct from players and the coaching staff. It led FIFA to release a statement charging the teams.

FIFA statement read, “FIFA has now released a statement: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association due to potential breaches of articles 12 (Misconduct of players and officials) and 16 (Order and security at matches) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code during the Netherlands v. Argentina FIFA World Cup match that took place on 9 December.” 

Article 12 comes into force when any team receives five yellow cards. But FIFA has also charged Argentina with an additional article 16 breach for order and security at matches, which might result in hefty fines.

Read More: VIDEO: Massive Brawl Breaks During Argentina vs Netherlands as Game Ends With a FIFA Record of 17 Yellow Cards

FIFA also charged the Netherlands team with a breach of article 12 for getting five or more yellow cards. The FIFA statement added, “Additionally, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Dutch Football Association due to potential breaches of article 12 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in relation to the same match.”

Argentina will face Croatia in the semifinals amidst the investigation

Argentina will take on Croatia in the first semifinal on the 14th of December 2022 at Lusail Stadium. They will look to get revenge on Croatia for their loss in the group stages of the 2018 World Cup. As a result, Argentina finished second in the group and faced the champions, France, in the round of 16.

Meanwhile, Croatia is continuing its dream run in this World Cup too. They last went to the finals and lost to the champions, France. Croatia beat the favorites, Brazil, in penalties in the quarter-finals to set up a semifinal clash with Argentina.

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The game won’t be easy for Lionel Messi and Argentina as they will face a tricky Croatian side who likes to take the game to the penalties. Both teams will look for motivation from their legendary captains. Let us know your predictions for the game between Argentina and Croatia.