Bangladesh’s deadly fan clash erupts after Messi’s missed penalty

A man was killed after a spat over Lionel Messi’s missed penalty shot, part of at least 12 deaths linked to World Cup‑related violence in Bangladesh. The fatal incident occurred during the Argentina‑Egypt match when Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir saved the Argentine star’s spot‑kick. Millions of Bangladesh supporters have thrown their backing behind Argentina and Brazil since the start of this year’s FIFA World Cup, filling streets, tea stalls and rickshaw‑laden neighbourhoods with flags and chants. The enthusiasm for the two Latin American nations, hundreds of kilometres away, has become a cultural phenomenon that often pits friends against each other. Rivalry between Argentina and Brazil fans has repeatedly sparked clashes, and the passion sometimes spills over into violence on match days. The country’s love for football was acknowledged by FIFA and Argentine players in 2022, who were overwhelmed by the backing they received from a nation almost 17 000 km away. During the Argentina‑Egypt match, a dispute erupted after Messi’s penalty was saved by Mostafa Shobeir. Md Shariful Islam, a 38‑year‑old Brazil fan and battery‑powered rickshaw driver, was killed in the ensuing altercation in Cumilla. His wife, Beauty Begum, said, "How can people kill someone over a football match? I have two daughters. Who will they call father now? My two daughters have become orphans. I want the harshest punishment for those who killed my husband."

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Other fatalities linked to the same match include Fayaz Tajrian, who died on 8 July in a motorcycle crash while travelling to watch the game, and Mostafa Kazi, who was hacked to death in Narail. Mahidul Islam was killed when a goalpost collapsed during celebrations in Chattogram, and Khokon Karmakar collapsed and died before a friendly match organised by supporters in Barguna. Clashes between rival student groups at Maulana Bhasani Science and Technology University in Tangail left at least 10 people, including an assistant proctor, injured and saw several academic buildings vandalised. Earlier in June, dozens suffered injuries in fights between Brazil and Argentina supporters after a local match in Habiganj. A study found that 23 people died in 2022 during the last World Cup due to fan group clashes.

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The cumulative death toll of at least 12 underscores the deadly potential of fan rivalries during the World Cup, highlighting how fervent support for Argentina and Brazil can turn violent in Bangladesh. The tragedy has prompted calls for stricter security measures and harsher punishments for perpetrators. As the nation mourns, the incident serves as a stark reminder that passion for the sport must be managed responsibly, lest celebrations continue to end in loss of life.