Lionel Messi Slammed With $1,500 Fine, Match Ban By CONMEBOL

South American soccer’s governing body, CONMEBOL has suspended and fined Argentine star, Lionel Messi over his comments about the federation’s ‘corruption’ during COPA America

CONMEBOL said its decision comes after Messi was sent off during Argentina’s 2-1 win over Chile in the third-place match of the Copa America.

Messi was red carded in the 37th minute after clashing with Chile’s Gary Medel, who was also dismissed.

South American qualifying gets underway in March.

No reference was made to Messi’s recent criticism of CONMEBOL after he claimed there was corruption in the tournament and that Argentina had been harshly treated.

Messi later apologised to the organisation for his comments.