VANDERLEI ALMEIDA/Getty Images
Lionel Messi has controversially been handed a four-game ban by FIFA after the world governing body found him guilty of using abusive language against an official when Argentina defeated Chile in World Cup qualification.
FIFA issued a statement on its official website confirming its decision after the incident. The snap decision is a huge disappointment for Argentina, forcing their talisman to miss the vital qualification trip to Bolivia on Tuesday.
The South American giants need to finish in the top four to progress to Russia 2018, and defeat in La Paz will open the door to the chasing pack in the table.