The South American federation may take matters into their own hands after Messi’s outburst following his sending off against Chile.
Leo Messi accused the organisers and referees at the Copa América of “corruption” when he spoke in the mixed zone after Argentina beat Chile 2-1 to take third place in the tournament being held in Brazil.
Messi had refused to collect his third-place medal and said that “the Copa is set up for Brazil, hopefully the referees and the VAR won't influence things and they let Peru compete, but I think that's unlikely.”
The Argentina and Barcelona star had previously talked of “bullshit refereeing” after Argentina had been knocked out by Brazil in the semi-final, and he made reference to his comments, saying he thought it was possible that what he’d said might have influenced his sending off.
Messi facing a lengthy ban for comments
Messi’s comments could now see him face a severe punishment from CONMEBOL, whose rules prohibit insulting in any means or manner CONMEBOL, its institutions or personnel. Where the governing body do decide to take action, Messi could face a ban of up to two years, which would see him miss not just the qualification for World Cup Qatar 2022, but also the Copa América 2020 in Argentina and Colombia.
CONMEBOL were clearly stung by Messi’s comments, releasing a statement in response to Messi’s comments, in which they branded them ‘unacceptable”.
The CONMEBOL statement continued: “Said accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the football players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL, institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to transparent, professionalize and develop South American football."
What remains to be seen is if the organisation would want to ban the region’s most high profile player for a significant length of time…
CR7RealMadrid12
730
What is happening to soccer especially in South Africa I'm a CR7 fan but to be honest this is just too much and so unfair for a player that is normally well mannered and behaved, if these 2 years are approved they will loose many viewers and as well some economic negative affect in their competition because for many people we ONLY watch these kind of competition just because of such amazing players and yet the VAR, referees and the organisation itself are misbehaving and treating players unfairly
Brackeen17
503
If they ban him they’re gonna lose even more viewers 😂
Athenkosi01
335
CONMEBOL is corrupt why they only have rules for protecting themselves only but they should also have rules to protect players!
Desmondeyum
258
Ban Messi for speaking the truth, why don't they rather work on what he said
Theman21
211
If Messi gets a ban then South America will see accusations protests and corruption scandals like never seen before
ruecelstyz
205
if messi ban 2 year then Argentina will win copa America 😂😂😂😂
Natty222
76
Hold on... Who is Messi and what is football? Is Messi bigger than football now??? Let's call a spade a spade what is said is wrong and can you tell me if it's CR7 thay does this or other players, what will you Messi fans said. Messi is used to that abusive wards and he has been doing that but let say fifa has been perdon him for long till when he did it to Liverpool captain on there defeat to Liverpool. We need to be realistic Messi came into football and Messi will surely leave football... There are loads of football stars in the past and Messi will be part of history too... Please Messi is not bigger than football of today. If they are going to ban him please Fifa do. Messi right now, he's a frustrated Dog 🙄😳👌🏼
soziou
67
Messi should be banned but two years is excessive and also unfair. My thing with football is that the referees can make an error or any amount of errors and the players are not allowed to say anything as in their eyes it shows lack of respect. Saying the entire body is corrupt was taking it too far but when there are changes and VAR is introduced and used in other circumstances but not consulted in the Brazil vs Argentina or when he got a red card which was not deserved it will take a toll on any player and the frustration will be aired. It is high time that referees are held accountable and not just players when they are frustrated by bad refereeing. Brazilian supporter but fair is fair
omz222
51
Corruption?😂😂😂😂
ficcdkorsu
24
What is happening to soccer especially in South Africa I'm a CR7 fan but to be honest this is just too much and so unfair for a player that is normally well mannered and behaved, if these 2 years are approved they will loose many viewers and as well some economic negative affect in their competition because for many people we ONLY watch these kind of competition just because of such amazing players and yet the VAR, referees and the organisation itself are misbehaving and treating players unfairly
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I know it's unfair for Messi, but CONMEBOL wants to show its authority that a player isn't above a federation.
Kubdios
17
What is happening to soccer especially in South Africa I'm a CR7 fan but to be honest this is just too much and so unfair for a player that is normally well mannered and behaved, if these 2 years are approved they will loose many viewers and as well some economic negative affect in their competition because for many people we ONLY watch these kind of competition just because of such amazing players and yet the VAR, referees and the organisation itself are misbehaving and treating players unfairly
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laws n rules should be equal for everyone no matter how popular he is
Athenkosi01
16
if messi ban 2 year then Argentina will win copa America 😂😂😂😂
If CR7 gets jailed there will be no more rapists.
Athenkosi01
13
Are you ok? If the CONMEBOL don't take any decision then it will be a habit from other Players.
It will be a habit of r@p€ if CR7 is not jailed
Benosky1
10
If they ban him they’re gonna lose even more viewers 😂
That's not true.. watch and see the real Argentina.. Messi is a national team curse. take it or leave it
Kubdios
9
If they ban him they’re gonna lose even more viewers 😂
with or without Messi football will always remain as football.but without some stupid fanboy it will be greater
Rashnic/G/O/A/T/C/R7
8
then Ronaldo should be jailed for raping
Did he rape your mom?😂😂😂😂