Messi's World Cup qualifiers ban lifted by FIFA which makes him eligible for next match
The soccer star caught a huge big break and served only one game
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2 min read
Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi had his four-match ban lifted by FIFA, boosting his country's chances of qualifying for next year's World Cup. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was given a four-match ban in March after verbally assaulting an official in the World Cup qualifier against Chile on March 24. But FIFA announced on Friday morning that the ban and fine was being lifted
Here's everything you need to know:
How did this start?
Messi hated the decisions made by the assistant referee in the 1-0 win over Chile in March. He was called for two fouls that he strongly disagreed with, and he had it, yelling various insults at the assistant referee and not shaking his hand post match.
Here's the first incident from the match:
Post-match anger:
FIFA's involvement
FIFA got involved just days later, citing articles 77 a) and 108 of the FIFA Disciplinary code, stating Messi had been found guilty of directing insulting words and an assistant referee, fining him just over $10,000 and suspending him for four matches.
Appeal
Messi's team and lawyers for AFA filed an appeal and were awaiting a decision. It was reported on Thursday that the ban was going to be reduced.
Messi's lawyer, Juan de Dios Crespo indicated that they "left feeling satisfied with the appeal."
"I think we did a very good job," De Dios Crespo told ESPN FC Radio in Argentina.
Decision
FIFA came out and announced its decision on Friday morning.
"The FIFA Appeal Committee has upheld the appeal lodged by the Argentinian Football Association, on behalf of the player Lionel Messi, against the decision taken by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, lifting the sanctions imposed on him as a result," the FIFA statement read.
Messi already missed a qualifier against Bolivia on March 28 after the suspension was announced. He had three games remaining to serve and Argentina has four remaining World Cup qualifiers. The ban was viewed as a massive blow for the team's chances of qualifying for the World Cup next year, as it currently sits in fifth place in CONMEBOL, but its campaign is right back on track with Messi available.
When will we see Messi plan for Argentina next?
Messi will be back for the team's next qualifier vs. Uruguay in Montevideo on Aug. 31, unless he is injured. But we could see him with Argentina sooner. The team will face Brazil in Australia on June 9 in a friendly before playing Singapore just days later. There is a chance Messi gets called up but don't be surprised if he misses those games as he is getting married this summer.
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