Argentina could find themselves in hot water with FIFA after several players unveiled a politically charged banner on the pitch following their dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final triumph over England.
Lionel Messi and his teammates rallied from a goal behind to secure a 2-1 victory, earning their spot in the World Cup final against Spain on Sunday, July 19.
The controversy erupted after the final whistle when Giovani Lo Celso appeared on the field carrying a banner bearing the message "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" — translated as "The Malvinas are Argentine" — a direct reference to the disputed Falkland Islands.
Notably, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, who ply their trade in English football with Tottenham and Manchester United respectively, were among those seen holding the banner aloft.
The display puts Argentina on a collision course with football's governing bodies. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the laws of the game, alongside FIFA, maintains a firm position against political messaging in the sport.
IFAB's rulebook is unambiguous on the matter, stating: "Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer's logo."
Whether FIFA will take formal disciplinary action against the Argentine players remains to be seen, but the regulations leave little room for ambiguity regarding politically motivated displays.