Messi, Yamal avoid bans after Spain's 1-0 2026 World Cup win

Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal were not punished as FIFA imposed five suspensions after the 2026 World Cup final, including a 10-match ban for Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes. Spain had beaten Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19, with Ferran Torres scoring the winning goal.

Paredes received the heaviest sanction, along with a $90,000 fine, after being found responsible for three assault charges during the post-match disorder. Argentina team-mate Nahuel Molina was suspended for seven international matches and fined the same amount over two assault charges.

Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala was given a three-match ban and a $30,000 fine. Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi each received one-match suspensions and $30,000 fines for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The punishments followed an altercation that began after Spain’s celebrations. Paredes was accused of grabbing Eric García by the throat, while Molina was involved in a separate incident with Spain captain Rodri. Ayala was sanctioned for striking Dani Olmo, and Gavi was involved in the confrontation before Almada was also cited for his conduct.

The bans apply only to national-team fixtures, leaving the players free to represent their clubs. Paredes’s suspension keeps him out of Argentina duty for a prolonged period and is longer than the nine-match international ban imposed on Luis Suárez after he bit Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini at the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA also fined the Argentine Football Association $321,000 and ordered Argentina to stage its next two home matches at half capacity. Part of that penalty followed a political banner displayed after Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England on July 15. The affected players and the AFA can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.