clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Lionel Messi cleared to play in Argentina World Cup qualifiers

The Barcelona captain had been suspended

France v Argentina: Round of 16 - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Lionel Messi has been cleared to play in Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia in October.

The Barcelona captain had been expected to sit out the game against Ecuador due to suspension after being sent off in the Copa America third-place play-off against Chile.

However, Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia has looked into the matter and been told the statute of limitations has run out on the ban and Messi is free to play.

Messi picked up the red card for a clash with Gary Medel and was furious after the match, accusing officials of bias towards hosts Brazil.

Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Barca Blaugranes Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Barca news from Barca Blaugranes