Lionel Messi suspended from Argentina for three months for comments

The South American Football Federation, known as CONMEBOL, suspended Lionel Messi from international duties, on Friday, for three months. The star footballer was handed over his suspension for his comments on corruption during the recently-concluded Copa America. The Latin American governing body further fined the player an amount of USD 50,000.

The suspension will see Messi missing four friendlies this year. In September he will be out of action against Chile and Mexico, while in October he will not feature against Germany and another adversary to be picked. However, Messi and Argentina’s football federation can still appeal against the decision but they are yet to comment on the issue.

After Argentina’s semifinal defeat against Brazil in this year’s Copa America, the 32-year-old had claimed that the tournament was set up for Brazil to win. The match had seen some poor decisions against Messi & Co. which eventually caused Brazil’s victory. The Argentine captain was furious after the referee turned down two penalty appeal by his team.