Faltering Argentina loses Messi over referee abuse

ZURICH— Lionel Messi is banned from Argentina’s next four World Cup qualifying games, dealing a blow to a campaign by the 2014 runner-up that has stuttered without him.

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.

“We have to appeal this decision, we’ll see how it goes,” said Jorge Miadosqui, Argentina’s national teams director. “But we’re left angry and sad because (Messi) will not be with the team.”

Argentina is in third place in a group where the top four qualify. The fifth-place team will enter a playoff.

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. It was close to a must-win match last Thursday when Argentina hosted Chile. Argentina won 1-0 after Messi scored with a first-half penalty, but he lost his cool late in the game.

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 redcard offence 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 $13,500.

The FIFA’s appeals committee rarely overturns disciplinary rulings, though it could reduce the number of games Messi must miss.