CONMEBOL have handed Lionel Messi a $1500 fine for his inflammatory comments about the federation’s “corruption” during this summer’s Copa America.
Additionally, the Argentina star will serve a one-game suspension for the red card he received against Chile in the competition’s third-place match.
Messi went off on the South American federation earlier this month, but they have responded with a negligible fine and no further suspension beyond the automatic one-game punishment (potentially the opening game of World Cup Qualifier 2022) for a red card.
After being sent off against Chile, Messi skipped the Copa America medal ceremony, clearly still upset about his red card in the third-place game and what transpired in his nation’s semi-final defeat to host country Brazil.
"There is no doubt, the whole thing is set up for Brazil," Messi charged after several controversial VAR decisions went against Argentina in the semi-final.
"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.”
mekainopsy
236
A true leader is the person who accepts his/her defeat when it comes no matter the circumstances, a true leader is the person that is very courageous and always positive no matter the situation he/she faces, a true leader is the person who work very hard to correct his/her wrongs, a true leader is the person that listen to pieces of advice and work with the positive ones, a true leader is the person that never gives up but keep on fighting for the best, a true leader is the person that apologize for his/her wrongs, and lastly, a true leader must always be a humble team player. Lionel Messi @ # 10⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽ is a team player!
Jhoxua11
195
BREAKING: Messi receives one-match ban for red card against Chile from CONMEBOL Guys read this carefully. ..I don't agree at all if this ban is solely on the red but if it was rather 'the talk on corruption that's fine'
YourHighness
168
Messi: Makes a challenge that is worth at most a yellow card, but gets a red. CONMEBOL: Messi gets a one match ban! Mateo: Thanks CONMEBOL! You are saving my dad from getting stressed and overworking for one match.
YourHighness
82
Messi: Gets his 2nd career red card, with a 1 match ban. Mateo: Are you serious!!! I was going to meet the nice girl during that international break!!!
SingamFootball
15
Thank God, that's an easy verdict for messing up in Copa nothing to worry, Messi