Lionel Messi Has banned for four internationals by FIFA for verbally abusing official in Argentina win
Lionel Messi has been banned for four international matches by FIFA for verbally abusing an assistant referee during Argentina's win over Chile.
Television pictures showed Messi reacting angrily late in Thursday's World Cup Qualifier when the assistant flagged him for a foul.
The 29-year-old, who scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the hosts, was seen waving his arms and shouting insults at the official.
FIFA intervened when the incident was not initially reported by the Brazilian referee after the crucial match in Buenos Aires.
The Barcelona forward has now been punished, with his international suspension starting on Tuesday in Bolivia.
A statement from FIFA said: "Footballer Lionel Messi has been found guilty of violating article 57 of the FIFA disciplinary code for having directed insulting words at an assistant referee.
"As a result, Lionel Messi will be suspended for four official matches and sanctioned with a fine of CHF 10,000 (£8,100)."
It added that the suspension was "in line with the FIFA disciplinary committee's previous rulings in similar cases".
The 29-year-old, who scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the hosts, was seen waving his arms and shouting insults at the official.
FIFA intervened when the incident was not initially reported by the Brazilian referee after the crucial match in Buenos Aires.
The Barcelona forward has now been punished, with his international suspension starting on Tuesday in Bolivia.
A statement from FIFA said: "Footballer Lionel Messi has been found guilty of violating article 57 of the FIFA disciplinary code for having directed insulting words at an assistant referee.
"As a result, Lionel Messi will be suspended for four official matches and sanctioned with a fine of CHF 10,000 (£8,100)."
It added that the suspension was "in line with the FIFA disciplinary committee's previous rulings in similar cases".
Messi will also miss the qualifiers away to Uruguay in August, at home to Venezuela the following month and at home to Peru in October, meaning he will only be able to return for Argentina's final qualifying match away to Ecuador.
Argentina are third in the South American qualifying group, with only the top four guaranteed a place in Russia 2018 and only three points separating second-placed Uruguay and Chile in sixth
Argentina are third in the South American qualifying group, with only the top four guaranteed a place in Russia 2018 and only three points separating second-placed Uruguay and Chile in sixth