Lionel Messi can play in Argentina’s opening World Cup qualifier next month because the statute of constraints has run out on the ban he was given throughout last year’s Copa America, the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) said on Thursday.
Messi was forbidden for one game after being sent off in the Copa America third-place playoff against Chile and for leveling allegations of “corruption” at South American soccer chiefs.
Messi had been anticipated to serve the ban by missing Argentina’s qualifier against Ecuador that is scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires on October 8. However, Claudio Tapia said he had discussed with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) President Alejandro Dominguez, who “confirmed the statute of limitations had expired and that he (Messi) is able to play,” the AFA twitter said.
The Barcelona ahead was shown the red card after clashing with Gary Medel and afterward, he alleged the tournament had been fixed in favor of the host’s Brazil, who beat Argentina in a controversial semi-final on their way to claiming the title. Argentina, who last won the World Cup in 1986, kick-off their qualifying campaign with a doubleheader at home to Ecuador and away to Bolivia.
