Lionel Messi Receives One-Game Suspension for Copa America Red Card
CONMEBOL has fined Lionel Messi $1,500 and suspended him for one game after his red card at Copa America, the South American confederation announced on Tuesday.
Messi received a red card during the third-place match against Chile at Copa America. Argentina's star was sent off with Gary Medel after they got into a heated altercation.
CONMEBOL cited "offensive behavior, insults and defamatory actions" as reasons to suspend Messi, reports beIN Sports. According to the AP, that suspension will be served in an official match, meaning that Messi will miss Argentina's first 2022 World Cup qualifier in March.
Messi caused a stir with his "corruption" comments made this summer at Copa America. He boycotted the tournament's medal ceremony earlier this month to protest the referring and suggested Argentina was not treated fairly.
"There was lack of respect toward us during this Copa America," he said. ''We could have done better, but they didn't let us make it to the final. Corruption and the referees are not letting the fans enjoy football. This is ruining football.''
