FIFA hand Messi four-match ban for improper conduct

Lionel Messi has been banned for four international matches.

The Argentina and Barcelona forward was punished for directing “insulting words” at an assistant referee in Thursday’s 1-0 win over Chile.

Messi, who scored the only goal in the qualifier, was angered when he was flagged for a foul, waving and shouting at the assistant in response.

The 29-year-old was also fined more than 10,000 dollars.