Lionel Messi can play in Argentina’s opening World Cup qualifier next month after the statute of limitations ended on the ban he received last year during the Copa America tournament, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has said.
The qualifier against Ecuador for the 2022 World Cup is scheduled to take place on October 8 in Buenos Aires.
AFA President Claudio Tapia said he consulted with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) President Alejandro Dominguez, who confirmed that Messi can play as the statute of limitations had expired.
Messi was suspended from Argentina’s first World Cup qualifier and was also fined by the CONMEBOL after he accused them of corruption. He was sent off after receiving a red card during Argentina’s 2-1 win over Chile in the Copa America third-place playoff.
The Argentine was given a red card along with Chile captain Gary Medel following a minor brushoff. Messi expressed his displeasure later and alleged that the Copa America was fixed for Brazil, the eventual champions, who beat Argentina in a controversial semifinal. He had also said that the corruption in CONMEBOL and the tournament prevented fans from enjoying football.
Argentina had claimed they were denied crucial penalties during the semifinal match because of the bias shown by referees.
The Barcelona forward later apologised for his comments, but was handed a one-match ban that may very well have included the qualifier against Equador.
