Lionel Messi banned from international football for three months after his heavy criticism of CONMEBOL at Copa America

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been fined $50,000 and banned from playing for his national team Argentina, following his heavy criticism of CONMEBOL during the Copa America. Messi was incensed by several incidents during the Copa, including one that saw two Argentina denied two penalty claims in a semifinal loss against Brazil. Messi claimed the officials didn't use VAR on fouls against Argentina because they were "in favor" of Brazil. "Referees gave so many stupid fouls in this Copa America but today VAR wasn't consulted once," said Messi.

"This should be looked into and I hope CONMEBOL do something with these referees who unbalance the pitch by favoring a team. 

"The truth is we're angry because we played very well, we put in a huge effort for it and to end like this makes us sad."

CONMEBOL justified banning and fining Messi on their website, though not spelling out the exact reason for the ban in clear terms. They said his ban and fine were related to articles 7.1 and 7.2 of its disciplinary regulations. One of these clauses refers to "offensive, insulting behavior or making defamatory protests of any kind." Another mentions "breaching the decisions, directives or orders of the judicial bodies."

As per Goal.com, this three-month ban will result in Messi missing friendly matches against Chile and Mexico in September, and against Germany in October. Messi will be free to play for Argentina again in November. However, the Argentina captain and talisman has one week to appeal CONMEBOL's decision. Should it stand, the aforementioned sanctions will be applied.

Owing to the widely-disputed red card Messi was given in the third place play-off during the Copa America, Messi will also miss Argentina's next competitive match which will be played in March as part of the South American qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.