Messi’s World Cup Fate Hangs in the Balance as Argentina Faces a Money-Laundering Probe

Corruption allegations loom over the Argentine federation

Corruption allegations surround the Argentine federation.

The Argentina national team, led by Lionel Messi, faces the threat of not participating in the upcoming World Cup due to a major scandal, according to press reports.

La Nacion, the Argentine newspaper, reported on Saturday that there are suspicions about the involvement of several federation officials in money laundering schemes revealed by dozens of inspections in recent days.

The report adds that further inspections are planned, potentially prompting FIFA to sanction the Argentine federation and exclude the Tango from the World Cup that Argentina holds the title to.

World Cup context

Overall, Argentina has qualified for the World Cup 19 times since the inaugural edition in 1930, winning the title three times in 1978 (on home soil), 1986 (Mexico), and 2022 (Qatar).

According to the draw held on December 5 in Washington, Argentina was placed in Group 10 for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Algeria, Jordan, and Austria.

Note: If this keeps up, FIFA might need a bigger ledger. Punchline: Messi might start negotiating with the referees for a better contract—at least his receipts would be in order.

Punchline 2: In the end, the ball will roll, the allegations will not—until someone signs a paper trail as long as a contract.