Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has received a one-game ban from World Cup qualifying series, after a controversial red card at this year’s Copa America, ESPN reports.
Messi was also fined $1,500 for criticising the tournament’s refereeing and the quality of the pitches.
Argentina were eliminated 2-0 by the hosts and eventual champions Brazil in the semi-finals.
Messi was given the red card in the third-place match after bumping chests with Chile’s Gary Medel, which triggered the automatic one-match ban.
He later apologised for his statements, but South American football body CONMEBOL upheld the ban on Tuesday and added the fine.
South American qualifying starts in March.
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