The Barcelona football club said Lionel Messi's four-match international suspension for insulting a linesman was "unfair and totally disproportionate."
Barcelona released a statement on Wednesday expressing "its surprise and indignation" with FIFA's decision to sideline the playmaker for so long following the incident in Argentina's win over Chile in World Cup qualifiers last week.
The punishment was announced before Argentina lost at Bolivia 2-0 on Tuesday, a result that left the two-time champions at risk of not qualifying for next year's World Cup in Russia.
It wishes to reiterate its support for Leo Messi, an exemplary player in terms of conduct both on and off the field.Barcelona Football Club’s Statement
Pending an appeal, Messi will only be available to play in Argentina's final qualifier, on 10 October against Ecuador.
(With inputs from AP)
(Join The Quint on WhatsApp. Type “JOIN” and send to 9910181818)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)