"We were meant for more but they didn't let us be in the final".
So, here we were are with the final decision from the South American authorities and now the time is ticking for Messi to potentially appeal the verdict within the next seven days.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has been handed a three months suspension from worldwide football along with a £41,000 fine by South America's football governing body CONMEBOL.
After the match, Messi was absent from the medal ceremony and later said Argentina "don't need to be part of this corruption".
The Argentine was sent off for only the second time in his career after a shoving match with Chile midfielder Gary Medel, who also was ejected.
Barcelona forward Messi, 32, was sent off in Argentina's 2-1 third-place play-off win over Chile and later said the "cup was fixed for Brazil".
Four Dutch players and two coaches on Federation Internationale de Football Association award shortlist
Football fans seem less than satisfied after FIFA released the shortlist for the "Best award" on Wednesday, July 31. There are also awards for 'The Best FIFA Women's Coach 2019' and 'The Best FIFA Women's Player 2019' .
The ban will prevent the Barcelona forward from participating in four worldwide friendlies in September and October, including an exhibition against Germany in Dortmund on October 9.
Annoyed at refereeing decisions in the semi-final loss against hosts Brazil, the five time Ballon d'Or victor explained his annoyance at perceived "corruption" in a stunning rant.
As punishment for his outbursts, Messi is to serve a three-month suspension from Friday's announcement, ruling him out of Argentina matches until November. "Corruption, referees and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football", he had said.
Messi has also been fined $50,000 (£41,121) by CONMEBOL, South American football's governing body.
'I always tell the truth and I'm honest, that is what keeps me calm if what I say has repercussions that is not my business'.
Comments