The memory of the South American football spectator is still fresh in the memory of the Copa América, where Argentina was crowned champion against Colombia. But that memory will quickly be interrupted by new games, these of the qualifying rounds that remain this year on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil, Colombia, Argentina and Uruguay in the South American Qualifiers | Photo: Getty Images
At the moment, the Colombian team is in a privileged position after six games played. In the table it appears as third, behind Argentina and Uruguay, who lead with 15 and 13 points, respectively, while the nationals have 12 units.
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has put the spotlight on the current leader of the road to the 2026 World Cup and current champion of the Copa América, World Cup and Finalissima, which has imposed a heavy sanction for its next home game against Chile (September 5).
The Disciplinary Committee of the most important entity in world football decided last January that the Albicelestes will not be able to use at least 50% of the capacity of the stadium they designate as home team in the next game on the road to the next World Cup.
Argentina will host the qualifying round at the Monumental. | Photo: AP
This punishment for the Argentines is due to the delays presented against Ecuador in the first match of the qualifying round, together with the discriminatory behavior and pitch invasion against Uruguay in the fifth match.
And there is also the brawl that took place outside and inside the Maracaná stadium, when they played against Brazil last November, which left fights on the most important beaches of the neighboring country, as well as inside the sports venue.
Finally, Argentina will also be affected financially, as it will pay 50,000 Swiss francs (to be invested in an anti-discrimination plan) and another 20,000 more for what happened in the three games mentioned above.
Messi’s decision on the game against Colombia in the qualifiers
This health problem has meant that the Argentine number 10 will not be able to play again and it is possible that he will not be part of the travelers to Barranquilla to face the Colombian team on September 10th for the 8th match of the Qualifiers.
Lionel Messi is doubtful for the September dates of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. | Photo: Getty Images
Although it is in doubt, journalist Gastón Edul has reported that Messi made a decision in order to be ready for that game. “Leo Messi, as always when Argentina plays, wants to be ready for the FIFA date in September,” he said at first. “If everything continues to occur within these rehabilitation periods, Messi would be in condition to participate,” he concluded.
That is to say, at this moment, the determination of the ‘Pulga’ is to do the training that will lead him to be ready so that he can recover as soon as possible and be ready for the next game of the qualifiers. In this one, he would add some minutes, but the one in which he would start as a starter, thus making his official return, would be against Colombia.
2024-08-08 18:09:25
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