Messi: 'I speak into the air'

The Argentina captain explains the incident that led to him being accused of insulting a referee and receiving a four-match ban.

Messi was suspended for allegedly insulting the referee in the Argentina-Chile match on March 24. The referee team did not include the incident in the post-match report, but FIFA based the punishment on video.

Messi himself also confirmed that the rude words were just to vent anger and were not aimed at any individual. "I only said it at the air, not at the referee," M10 shared with La Nacion on March 29.

Messi's national team career is in an extremely difficult period. Photo: Reuters

The Argentine Football Association is currently trying to appeal Messi's suspension, with the aim of reducing it to one or two matches.

"We are very surprised by the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. It is even more outrageous that it was made just hours before the match against Bolivia (Argentina lost 0-2). We will appeal and believe that the penalty will be reduced," said Argentina team secretary Jorge Miadosqui.

The new President of the Argentine Football Federation, Claudio Tapia, also expressed his determination: "Messi doesn't have to worry. We will do our best to reduce the penalty. This is unfair."