FC Barcelona and Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been banned from international football for three months by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) following his claim that Copa America was corrupt.
The 32-year-old forward was sent off during Argentina’s 2-1 third-place play-off defeat of Chile and he later said the competition was fixed for hosts Brazil.
He has also been fined about N18 million (about 50,000 dollars or 41,121 pounds).
Messi has seven days to appeal the decision to suspend him, as well as the payment of the fine.
The ban means Messi will miss Argentina’s friendly matches against Chile, Mexico, and Germany in September and October.
The ban will, however, not disrupt Argentina’s qualifying campaign for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as the qualifiers begin in March.
After Argentina’s 2-0 semi-final defeat by hosts Brazil, the Argentine Football Association had complained about “serious and gross refereeing errors”.
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 had said. “They have shown 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.”
CONMEBOL had responded by saying accusations questioning the integrity of the Copa America were “unfounded” and “represent a lack of respect”.