FIFA lifts Messi's four-match ban after appeal

FIFA have lifted Lionel Messi's four-match ban after an appeal

The 28-year-old was suspended immediately after Argentina's 1-0 win over Chile

The Barcelona star has already served his first match ban in a 2-0 loss to Bolivia

Lionel Messi's four-match ban for Argentina is now lifted by FIFA after an appeal as the he is now free to represent his country.

The Barcelona star was given a four-game ban after allegedly insulting a match official in Argentina's 1-0 win over Chile in March.

The 28-year-old had already served his first match ban in La Albiceleste's 2-0 defeat to Bolivia in a World Cup qualifying match.


Messi 'insulting' the assistant referee.
The FIFA appeal committee said that while the Argentine's action was "disgraceful", the evidence was sufficient enough.

The committee concluded that"the evidence available was not sufficient to establish" an infringement had occurred.

Also, the fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (£7,800) added with match ban was also lifted.


Lionel Messi.
It was reported that the Argentine national team will battle Brazil in a friendly in their next fixture on June 9.

Argentina are currently fifth in the South America World Cup qualifying group with the top four teams gaining automatic qualification into the play-off