Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi has been suspended for three months from the International football for accusing South America’s governing body CONMEBOL of “corruption” during the Copa America.
Messi criticised the officiating and members of CONMEBOL last month following Argentina’s semifinal loss to Brazil and after the third-place match against Chile but later apologised for his statements.
As punishment for his outbursts, Messi is to serve a three-month suspension from Friday’s announcement, ruling him out of Argentina matches until November.
That means he will miss friendlies against Chile, Mexico and Germany, while Messi has also been fined $50,000.
Messi avoided the Copa America medal ceremony in protest and later said Argentina “shouldn’t take part in this corruption.”
CONMEBOL has given the forward seven days to appeal the sanctions.
