The governing body of football has opened a disciplinary case against Argentina’s Lionel Messi-led team for on-field clashes during Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal match against the Netherlands.
The South American team advanced to the semifinals after defeating the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after the score was tied at 2-2 after extra time. Nahuel Molina gave Argentina a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute, which was extended to 2-0 when Messi scored on a penalty in the 73rd minute. Wout Weghorst of the Netherlands, however, scored twice in the 83rd and 90+11′ minutes to tie the game at 2-2 and force a penalty shootout.
Several verbal altercations and jibes were exchanged between players on both teams during extra time and the penalty shootout. The players received 14 yellow cards during the game for their on-field antics. Argentina’s players were seen mocking and gesticulating to the disappointed Dutch players as soon as they won on penalties.
Tensions rose after Argentina’s substitutes and coaches encroached on the field late in the game, forcing extra time after Holland scored two late goals. Argentina won the penalty shootout after a 2-2 tie, prompting more heated exchanges on the field, with the South American team later seen mocking their opponents.
Messi was seen confronting Dutch manager Louis van Gaal and gesticulating at him about his comments about the match. Moreover, the PSG striker and Lautaro Martinez were also seen gesticulating and shouting at their Dutch opponents during post-match interviews.
“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 vs Argentina FIFA World Cup match,”
read the statement released by FIFA.
Referee Mateu Lahoz issued 17 yellow cards in total, ten of which went to Lionel Scaloni’s team, while Dutch full-back Denzel Dumfries was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards after the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Argentina is set to face Croatia in the semifinals on Wednesday.
