Lionel Messi faces 4 World Cup qualifying Match Bans

Messi's suspension for "having directed insulting words at an assistant referee" during a home qualifier against Chile last week, started Tuesday in Bolivia, where his teammates were due to kick off hours after FIFA announced its verdict.

The five-time FIFA player of the year can appeal to FIFA, but is on track to return for Argentina's final match in the 10-team South American qualifying group, hosting Ecuador on Oct. 10.
Messi has scored in four qualifiers so far, with Argentina going on to win every game.

Without him, though, Argentina has earned only seven points out of a possible 21.

Argentina won 1-0 after Messi scored with a first-half penalty at the vibrant Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, but he lost his cool in the closing minutes.

Messi reacted angrily when a decision went against him and aimed a volley of profane abuse at the assistant. He refused to shake hands with the official after the match.

FIFA could intervene as the incident was not initially reported by the Brazilian referee. It was judged a red-card offense for Messi.

"This decision is in line with the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's previous rulings in similar cases," said the world soccer body, which also fined Messi 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,160).
Messi and the Argentine soccer federation can challenge the ban at FIFA's appeals committee. It rarely overturns disciplinary rulings, though it could reduce the number of games he must miss.

"Four games is too much."

Messi's behavior and ban could affect his chances of winning FIFA's best player award for 2017, even if his club Barcelona wins the Champions League.

FIFA guidance to voters is that on- and off-field conduct should be taken into account.