Lionel Messi faces 2-year ban over corruption allegation against CONMEBOL

Lionel Messi faces 2-year ban over corruption allegation against CONMEBOL

- Lionel Messi could be banned for the next two years by CONMEBOL

- The 32-year-old accused the South American body of corruption after his side's defeat to Brazil

- Messi could miss out of 2020 Copa America tournament if he eventually gets banned by the body

Argentina international Lionel Messi risks being banned for two years after accusing CONMEBOL of corruption during the recently concluded Copa America championship.

The Barcelona star first made the accusation after La Albiceleste suffered 2-0 defeat to Brazil at the semifinal stage, claiming the organisers are in favour of the host nation.

Messi made his displeasure known for the second time in the competition after slamming the referee for red-carding him in their 2-1 victory over Chile in the losers' final.

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He said after the game that: "We don't need to be part of the corruption that we've suffered at this tournament.

"Hopefully the referees and the VAR won't influence things and they let Peru compete, but I think that's unlikely."

The five time Ballon d'Or winner said that the whole tournament was set up to help Brazil win the tournament and the organizers reacted saying: "Said accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the football players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL, institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to transparent, professionalize and develop South American football."

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Sportskeeda however report that Messi could miss out of next year's Copa America championship, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers if he gets banned by the body.

The 32-year-old, who scored just once and assisted one other goal was also said to have shunned the medal presentation.

Legit.ng earlier reported that CONMEBOL have replied Lionel Messi after the Argentine alleged that Brazil have been favoured to win the tournament on home soil.

The Barcelona star was sent off in the 38th minute after clashing with Gary Medel in the first half of the meeting.

He however expressed displeasure towards the organiser at the end of the match - saying the Copa America was corrupt, and in addition refused to pick up his silver medal.

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Source: Legit.ng

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