Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has been banned for four international matches by Fifa after he verbally abusing an assistant referee during Argentina’s victory over Chile.

The 29-year-old, who scored the only goal during his side’s 1-0 victory over La Rojo was seen waving his arms and insults the match official.

A statement from FIFA said: ‘Footballer Lionel Messi has been found guilty of violating article 57 of the FIFA disciplinary code for having directed insulting words at an assistant referee.’

‘As a result, Lionel Messi will be suspended for four official matches and sanctioned with a fine of CHF 10,000 (£8,100).’

This decision is in line with the Fifa Disciplinary Committee’s previous rulings in similar cases and both the player and the Argentinian Football Association have been informed of the decision today.

Messi is now set to miss their qualifiers against Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru, meaning he will only be able to return for Argentina’s final qualifying match against Ecuador.

Argentina currently sits third in the South American qualifying group, with only the top four guaranteed a place in Russia 2018 and only three points separating second-placed Uruguay and Chile in sixth.

Image: EPA/David Fernandez