A seemingly innocuous photograph involving young players and a professional footballer has ignited controversy in Argentina, following disciplinary actions taken by the Newell's Old Boys club against its academy players.

The incident stems from a picture taken with Ignacio Malcorra, a player for the rival club Rosario Central, highlighting the intense rivalry in Rosario, a city known as the birthplace of footballing icon Lionel Messi.

The club, Newell's Old Boys, instituted a three-month suspension from training for the nine-year-old players and revoked their scholarships after the image surfaced.

The disciplinary measures were perceived by many as an extreme reaction in light of the competitive atmosphere that prevails in Argentine football, particularly between Newell's and Rosario Central.

The decision has attracted substantial criticism from fans, sports commentators, and public figures.

Ignacio Malcorra, the player in the photograph, expressed his discontent regarding the situation.

He stated, reflecting on the event which occurred during a youth tournament three months prior, "I feel sad for them.

The children are innocent and do not understand much of what they are doing." Malcorra emphasized that the young players merely sought to take a picture with a professional athlete, a common aspiration for children in the sport.

This incident underscores the fervent loyalty and competitive spirit entrenched within Argentine football culture, where even gestures of camaraderie can be viewed through a lens of rivalry, leading to significant repercussions at youth development levels.