[ad_1]
Lionel Messi can play in Argentina‘s opening World Cup qualifier subsequent month as a result of the statute of limitations has run out on the ban he was given throughout final 12 months’s Copa America, the president of the Argentine Soccer Affiliation (AFA) stated on Thursday.
Messi was banned for one game after being sent off within the Copa America third-place playoff towards Chile and for levelling accusations of “corruption” at South American soccer chiefs.
– Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
– Lowe: Messi at Barcelona for ‘Last Dance’
Messi had been anticipated to serve the ban by lacking Argentina’s qualifier towards Ecuador that’s scheduled to happen in Buenos Aires on Oct. 8.
Nevertheless, Claudio Tapia stated he had consulted with the South American Soccer Confederation (CONMEBOL) President Alejandro Dominguez, who “confirmed the statute of limitations had expired and that he [Messi] is ready to play,” the AFA twitter stated.
The Barcelona ahead was proven the pink card after clashing with Gary Medel and afterwards he alleged the match had been fastened in favour of the hosts Brazil, who beat Argentina in a controversial semifinal on their strategy to claiming the title.
Messi performed in two friendlies on the finish of 2019, scoring in a 1-0 win over Brazil and a 2-2 draw with Uruguay. Initially CONMEBOL stated the ban was for an official match, however now based on Tapia, he’s free to play.
Argentina, who final gained the World Cup in 1986, kick off their qualifying marketing campaign with a double-header at dwelling to Ecuador and away to Bolivia.
[ad_2]
Source link