Lionel Messi handed suspension and massive fine for his actions at Copa America 2019
Argentina captain and playmaker Lionel Messi has been handed from three months suspension from international games along with a £41,000 fine by South America’s football governing body CONMEBOL.
According to The Mirror report, the punishment is as a result of Messi’s comment – accusing CONMEBOL of corruption- after last month’s Copa America third-place clash row with Chile’s Gary Medel, saw both players sent off.
The latest ban will see Messi miss out of Argentina matches until November, meaning the playmaker will play no role in international matches against Chile and Mexico in September and Germany in October, alongside one Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifier.
However, Messi is free to return for a friendly against Brazil, which has been provisionally fixed for November 13.
Interestingly, Messi, refused collecting his bronze medal after the game, blasted CONMEBOL for his first red card, since he was sent off on his debut game for Argentina back in 2005.
“There is no doubt, the whole thing is set up for Brazil,” Messi declared.
“I did not want to be part of this corruption, we shouldn’t have to be part of this disrespect we suffered during the Copa America.
“We could have gone further but we weren’t allowed into the final.
Corruption, referees and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football.
“I always tell the truth and I’m honest, that is what keeps me calm, if what I say has repercussions that is not my business.”
CONMEBOL insists Messi’s claims were “unacceptable”.
Lionel Messi given three month international suspension and £41,000 fine after explosive Copa America outburst https://t.co/CU7nMBBdgv pic.twitter.com/5yZ1cK22Yl
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) August 2, 2019
“Throughout the tournament they called bulls**t handballs, bulls**t penalties, and bulls**t fouls.
But somehow today, they refused to use VAR.
“There is no excuses for us, but we need to review this, analyse it and let’s hope CONMEBOL does something about it – but surely not, because Brazil commands too much power in the organisation,”
Messi was quoted as saying earlier after Argentina loss to Brazil in the semi-final.