Reigning world champions Argentina could face punishment for breaking FIFA rules immediately after their 2-1 win over England on Wednesday night. Lionel Messi and co. are through to their second successive World Cup final, but once again left it late to progress in Atlanta, Georgia.
Messi sprang into life with just seven minutes remaining. His first assist set up Enzo Fernandez's long-range equaliser, cancelling out Anthony Gordon's opener, before his second found the head of substitute Lautaro Martinez, who made no mistake in sealing a dramatic win over their age-old rivals.
England fans have quickly blamed Thomas Tuchel's decision to go ultra-defensive for the Three Lions' continued failure to end their 60-year wait to bring football home. Meanwhile, any murmurs of corruption and scandal surrounding Argentina are likely to persist, as the players appeared to break a FIFA rule during their full-time celebrations.
Bellingham appeared to strike the back of Valentin Barco's head during the celebrations of Argentina's winning goal.
Argentina Players Break FIFA Rule After Dramatic England Win
During their post-match celebrations, the South Americans were found to have flouted the rules of the world football governing body. FIFA have a clear stance that prohibits any political flags, slogans and symbols from being displayed inside stadiums.
Yet, Argentina could now face punishment for their actions, according to the Express , after a banner read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' which references the 1982 Falklands War and translates to 'The Malvinas (Falklands) are Argentine.' The incident (as seen below) is expected to be reported to FIFA.
La Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni had tried to ease pre-match tensions when he declared it "wrong" to make the match about the conflict. Tensions remain around the Falklands, and Argentina still disputes the sovereignty of the British overseas territory.
Despite those calls to limit its political undertones, players and fans have regularly chanted about the matter throughout the knockout stages, while Argentina's vice president caused a huge stir with her social media post ahead of the semi-final clash.
FIFA Have Already Shown Leniency With Argentina Over Falklands Tension
On each occasion, Argentina have been brought up for political messages that could quite easily stir tension between themselves and England, FIFA's bosses have refused to step in and follow their own rules. So whether Scaloni's side will be punished for another rule break remains to be seen.
The blind-eye approach - despite having taken flags away from Iran and England earlier in the tournament for a wide range of reasons - is not a good look for Gianni Infantino, given a petition signed by more than 10 million people is already accusing him of favouritism towards the champions.
Allegations continue to be made against him and his run-ins with Argentina . Their quarter-final opponents - Egypt - were certain football's top dogs wanted Messi in the final for marketing reasons, and if that really is the case, then Spain will be hoping they can overcome that so-called corruption this coming Sunday night at MetLife Stadium.
Transfer News & Rumours
Transfer News & Rumours