GENEVA (AP) - 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.
FIFA bans Lionel Messi for 4 World Cup qualifying games
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.