An online petition demanding that Argentina’s national team be permanently banned from the World Cup gathered more than 23 million signatures in under one week, eSPORTY reports.
The appeal, titled ‘Argentina Out,’ drew a ridiculous 23,316,108 signatures from 170 countries worldwide.
An initial target of five million was set by organisers, but the final total blew past that to become one of the most circulated online petitions in history.
Launched during the 2026 World Cup by irate football fans, it accused FIFA and match referees of ‘bias’ towards Argentina and captain Lionel Messi, something FIFA strongly denied.
“Why should the rest of the teams play in the tournament if the winner is known in advance?” the text on the petition read.
“Exclude Argentina from the World Cup and give everyone a fair chance.”
La Albiceleste were beaten 1-0 in Sunday’s final by Spain, and legendary forward Messi left the pitch in tears amid ugly scenes at the full-time whistle.
Also Read: Thousands Of Argentina Fans Sign Petition Calling For World Cup 2026 Final Replay
Following the conclusion of the tournament, in which Argentina’s behaviour had been described as ‘classless’, the petition has been closed.
Its website now reads: “FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain.”
Ultimately, angry fans haven’t got their wish, and Argentina will continue to compete in future World Cup tournaments, starting in 2030, where they are one of multiple hosts for an expanded, 64-team format.
With more than 23 million signatures, the ‘Argentina Out’ petition fell just short of a Guinness World Record.
The Jubilee 2000, an international movement which called for the cancellation of unpayable debts owed by the world’s poorest countries, still holds the record.
It began in April 1997, and by the time it was handed over at the UN Millennium summit in New York at the end of 2000, the number of signatories had reached 24,319,181 from 166 countries.
