(ZURICH) — 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.

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.

READ MORE: http://ultimategist.net/2017/03/28/fifa-bans-lionel-messi-from-world-cup-qualifiers-over-ref-insults/

(Source: UltimateGist.net)

Pride comes before a fall

It serves him right. When you think you have arrived and begin to take others for granted, then shame follows. Messi should be careful. It is too early to start sloping down the curve.

who's messi?

Which one be pride for here na?

Every human is prone to a "moment of madness". Even the coolest people in the world lose it sometimes. It's understandable.

If you've ever played a football match before and you are in the heat of the moment, you know things can get messy.

So make una chill with the pride thing

If na ronaldo nw bad bele people must talk

lol he probably think Blatter is still FIFA President, no more preferential treatment.

Arsenalholic:
Which one be pride for here na?

Every human is prone to a "moment of madness". Even the coolest people in the world lose it sometimes. It's understandable.

If you've ever played a football match before and you are in the heat of the moment, you know things can get messy.

So make una chill with the pride thing

The same messi that has compiled a list of players to be axed from barca next season and sent it to the board , and has also publicly sacked the current coach.
It is a pattern, not a one-off problem. Messi is an arrogant mofo.

Guy shut up.....Nd where dis u hear DAT from....dats just a stupid news ...is messi the sporting director ?...mumu na messi b coach?....Nd how did he chase the coach ...do u tink its easy to coach barca .ma not a barca fan BT coaching barca isn't easy ...dis is a team DAT the fans expectsu to win treble all d tym ....wat do u expe t wen ur tactics starts deplecting ...u go .....Nd I tink the punishment was harsh ....BT it would b reduced though after appealing cos the referee said he didn't hear any insults

cstr151:

The same messi that has compiled a list of players to be axed from barca next season and sent it to the board , and has also publicly sacked the current coach.
It is a pattern, not a one-off problem. Messi is an arrogant mofo.

nice one from messi