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FIFA bans Lionel Messi for 4 World Cup qualifying games

ZURICH, March 28: Lionel Messi has been banned from Argentina's next four World Cup qualifiers, starting with Tuesday's game in Bolivia.
By Associated Press

ZURICH, March 28: Lionel Messi has been banned from Argentina's next four World Cup qualifiers, starting with Tuesday's game in Bolivia.


FIFA says Messi was banned for verbally abusing an assistant referee during a home qualifier against Chile on Thursday.


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Messi faces FIFA action for insults in World Cup qualifier


FIFA intervened when the incident was not initially reported by the Brazilian referee after Argentina's 1-0 win at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.


It was judged a red-card offense for Messi, who scored the only goal from a first-half penalty.


Television pictures showed Messi reacting angrily late in the game when the assistant flagged him for a foul. He waved his arms and shouted profane insults at the Brazilian official.


After the game, Messi refused to shake hands with the assistant who had annoyed him.


 

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