Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after he recieved a red card during the 3rd place match of Copa America 2019 between Argentina and Chile in Sao Paulo, Brazil, July 6, 2019. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso)
Messi is set to miss Argentina's upcoming friendlies against Chile, Mexico and Germany after being handed a 3-month ban
RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Argentina captain Lionel Messi was Friday given a three-month ban from international football for his claim that the Copa America in Brazil was influenced by corruption.
The Barcelona forward was also fined 50,000 US dollars by South American football governing body CONMEBOL.
The ruling means Messi will miss Argentina's friendlies against Chile, Mexico and Germany in September and October. Messi has seven days to appeal the decision.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner made the allegations after being sent off for an altercation with Gary Medel in Argentina's 2-1 defeat of Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff last month.
After the match Messi said: "We don't have to be part of this corruption. They [referees] have showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament." Messi also said the competition was "set up" for eventual champions Brazil to win.
Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts before the Copa America 2019 semifinal match between Argentina and Brazil, held in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, July 2, 2019. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)
The 32-year-old had already been suspended for one competitive match and fined 1,500 US dollars for his comments and the red card.
"It's unacceptable that ... there have been unfounded accusations that misrepresent the truth and put to judgement the integrity of Copa America," a CONMEBOL statement read.
"The accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL."
