Lionel Messi: Argentina forward banned from
international football for three months
Messi
and Argentina repeatedly criticised the refereeing at the Copa America and the
use of VAR
Argentina
captain Lionel Messi has been banned from international football for three
months after claiming the Copa America was "corrupt".
Barcelona
forward Messi, 32, was sent off in Argentina's 2-1 third-place play-off win
over Chile and later said the "cup was fixed for Brazil".
He
has also been fined $50,000 (£41,121) by Conmebol, the South American Football
Confederation.
Messi
has seven days to appeal Conmebol's decision to suspend him.
The
ban means Messi will miss Argentina's upcoming friendlies against Chile, Mexico
and Germany in September and October.
Argentina's
qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup begins in March 2020.
Following
Argentina's 2-0 semi-final defeat by hosts Brazil, the Argentine Football
Association complained about "serious and gross refereeing errors".
In
response, Conmebol said accusations questioning the integrity of the Copa
America were "unfounded" and "represent a lack of respect".
Messi
was shown a red card in the 37th minute against Chile, following a clash with
Gary Medel, who was also dismissed.
"We
don't have to be part of this corruption," Messi said. "They have
showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament.
"Sadly,
the corruption, the referees, they don't allow people to enjoy football, they
ruined it a bit."