This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
Lionel Messi Suspended for Three Months, Fined $41,000 ¶
Published on August 3, 2019, Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina's national team, has been suspended for three months and fined $41,000 by CONMEBOL over his allegations of corruption during the Copa America tournament.
Messi was suspended for his comments criticizing CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, after he was ejected from a match against Chile during the Copa America tournament.
According to the Mirror (UK), Messi's suspension is a result of his comments criticizing CONMEBOL for corruption. Messi made the comments during the Copa America tournament in a match against Chile, where he was ejected after a heated exchange with Gary Medel.
However, Messi is free to return to play in a friendly match against Brazil, which is scheduled for November 13.
Interestingly, Messi refused to accept his silver medal after the match and instead criticized CONMEBOL for awarding the red card to him for the first time since the introduction of the red card in 2005.
"We were left out, but we were not allowed to enter the final. Corruption, and referees, do not want people to enjoy soccer. I always say the truth, and I am a reliable person, that's why I am being punished. If I say something, it has consequences, that's not my problem," Messi said in a statement.
CONMEBOL has maintained that Messi's allegations have no basis.
