Argentina captain and arguably the best player in the world – Lionel Messi – has been handed a 4-match ban by FIFA for abusing an assistant referee during La Albiceleste’s 1-0 win over Chile in the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifier on 23rd March.
FIFA have issued a statement on the ban, wherein they have explained that Messi was found guilty of violating article 57 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code for having directed insulting words at an assistant referee. The 29-year-old has also been handed a fine of CHF 10,000 in addition to the fine.
Also Read: Lionel Messi banned for 4 matches by FIFA for hurling abuse at officials
The ban looks to be a statement of intent by FIFA, highlighting that any form of dissent or such unprofessional behavior on the pitch will not be tolerated, no matter who the player in question is. Messi’s absence will be a huge blow to Argentina’s hopes for qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, as La Albiceleste have struggled in the absence of their talisman.
Messi will miss 3 World Cup qualifying matches due to the ban apart from a friendly against Brazil.
Twitter, as you would expect, didn’t hold back and had plenty to say about the announcement by FIFA. Here are the best tweets:
The big announcement!
Ouch!
Oh Gonzalo, not again!
Have FIFA been unfair on Messi?
Whatever Messi or Ronaldo do, things will be put on a bigger perspective!
And then the conspiracy theories....
Argentina are in trouble, big-big trouble!
