The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been accused of demanding a £4.5 million ($6m) payment to play an international friendly against Mexico in March 2026, with the fee to be split into multiple bank accounts. The allegation comes just days before Argentina's World Cup semi-final against England in Atlanta.
Friendly Deal Collapses Over Financial Demands
Mexico approached Argentina to play at the newly renovated Estadio Banorte (formerly Estadio Azteca) in Mexico City as a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup. The 90,000-capacity venue had reopened earlier in 2026 after a revamp. According to Mexican journalist Carlos Ponce de Leon, quoted by Record Mexico, the AFA told the Mexican Football Federation (FMF) that they wanted '$6m for the match' and requested that the payment be deposited into different accounts.
'The problem was that from the Argentine Federation, they told the Mexican Federation: 'You know what, it's $6 million dollars for the match.' It's crazy. They are the national team that charges the most to play a soccer match, even more expensive than Portugal,' Ponce de Leon said.
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When the FMF offered to pay the full amount and let Argentina distribute it themselves, the AFA insisted on splitting the payment, leading the FMF to withdraw. 'The response was: 'No, we need your help with this, etc.' That's when the warning signs appeared, and the FMF said: 'We are not going to get involved in problems,'' Ponce de Leon added. Argentina refused to play, and the deal collapsed.
Mexico Played Portugal Instead
Mexico subsequently arranged a friendly with Portugal on March 28, 2026, which ended in a goalless draw. However, there was disappointment that Cristiano Ronaldo did not play, given the 41-year-old's global status.
Money Laundering Allegations
The friendly controversy comes amid reports that the FBI is investigating the AFA for alleged money laundering concerning £225m worth of payments deposited through their Miami branch. Mirror Football has contacted the AFA for comment.
World Cup Semi-Final Looms
Argentina reached the semi-finals after beating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi has scored eight goals in the tournament and will face England for the first time in his career on Wednesday in Atlanta.
