After Argentina's Copa America semi-final loss to Brazil, Messi who complained bitterly about the officiating witnessed in the game, aimed another dig after he was shown the marching orders in their third-place playoff against Chile, having got into a physical exchange with Chile’s Gary Medel in the 36th minute.
After the game, the Barcelona wizard expressed his disgust about the whole process of the tournament as he thinks it was planned for Brazil to win the accolade.
“There is no doubt, the whole thing is set up for Brazil. I hope the VAR and referees don’t play any part in the final and that Peru can compete but it looks tough to me.
“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. I think that what happened is because of what I said [against Brazil]. What I said last time perhaps came back to haunt me. With a yellow card that was the end of it.”
Having reported of facing a potential two-year ban after he called the Copa America officials 'corrupt', the 33-year-old has now been slapped with a one-game ban and a fine of $1,500 with no appeal.
According to reports, Messi’s punishment is related to his red card incident in the game against Chile as his rants to CONMEBOL is yet to face more disciplinary action.
The suspension will see Messi miss Argentina’s first 2022 World Cup qualifier.
