Argentina's superstar forward Lionel Messi was just hit with a four game suspension for verbally abusing a ref last week during the team's World Cup qualifying match against Chile. Additionally, FIFA fined him $10,000.
Assistant referee Emerson Carvalho was the target of Messi's "profane insults" after whistling him for a foul late in Argentina's 1-0 win over Chile last week. Messi refused to shake his hand after the match.
According to ESPN,
"FIFA said Messi was guilty of "having directed insulting words at an assistant referee" and added: "This decision is in line with the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's previous rulings in similar cases.""
Argentina has five World Cup Qualifying games remaining but they will be without Messi for the next four including tonight's matchup against Bolivia. He will be eligible to return for Argentina's final qualifying game against Ecuador on October 10th.
