Messi banned for 4 World Cup qualifiers

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 last week against Chile started on Tuesday, shortly before his teammates played Bolivia in La Paz.

Without Messi, Argentina went on to lose the qualifier 2-0.

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 has relied on its captain Messi to move up to third place in a group where the top four qualify for the tournament in Russia. The fifthplace team will enters a playoff in November, likely against New Zealand.

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 24.

The 1978 and 1986 world champion is now only two points ahead of sixth place, currently held by Chile, which played Venezuela Tuesday night.