Petition to Ban Argentina From World Cups Surpasses 23 Million Signatures

A petition to ban Argentina from future World Cups has surpassed a massive signature number.

Argentina fell to Spain, 1-0, in the FIFA Men’s World Cup Final earlier this month. The Argentina squad won the 2022 World Cup, but failed to repeat as champions. This might have been Lionel Messi’s final World Cup for the men’s national team.

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Throughout the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, Argentina was on the receiving end of some controversial calls, to the point where fans were growing upset, accusing the referees of major bias.

In the wake of Argentina’s World Cup showing, fans are growing frustrated with the way they are officiated throughout international tournaments.

Now, a petition has been started.

“Kick Argentina Out,” the petition reads.

It lays it all out: “It is Obvious that FIFA and the referees are biased towards Lionel Messi and Argentina. Why should the rest of the world compete when the winner has already been decided? Kick Argentina out and give everyone else a fair chance.”

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The petition initially had a goal of 5,000,000 signatures. It ultimately surpassed more than 23,000,000 signatures online.

Messi was in ‘tears’ following the final loss

The longtime Argentina star was seen crying as he walked off of the pitch following the final game of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

It remains to be seen if he will play for Argentina again.

“I hope that everyone feels proud of him, of what he’s achieved because he’s the best football player ever stepping foot on a pitch,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said following the final match.

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The soccer world would clearly love to see Messi play for Argentina again, despite fans growing upset with how the country is officiated in international matches.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Jul 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.