Lionel Messi receives the harshest suspension of his career.

Lionel Messi received a heavy penalty from FIFA after using offensive language towards the assistant referee during Argentina's 1-0 victory over Chile in the 2018 World Cup South American qualifiers.

Specifically, Messi was banned from playing for the Argentina national team for four matches for using vulgar and insulting language towards linesman Marcelo Van Gasse.

"Lionel Messi violated FIFA's code of conduct by using abusive language towards the linesman. Messi will be banned for four matches and fined 10,000 Swiss francs," FIFA announced.

The image shows Messi insulting the assistant referee.

With this suspension, Messi will not be allowed to participate in the matches against Bolivia, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Peru.

This is the harshest penalty the Barcelona star has received since starting his professional football career.

Messi's suspension is a huge blow for Argentina, especially as the 2018 World Cup qualifiers in South America are entering a crucial stage.

And in the very first match after Messi served his suspension, Argentina suffered a bitter defeat, losing 0-2 away to Bolivia on the morning of March 29th (Vietnam time).

Messi also did not shake hands with referee Marcelo Van Gasse after the match ended.

According to Vietnamplus