Football world up in arms after Messi's 'unjust' 4-match ban
There was a mixture of anger, disbelief, and humour after the football world learned that Argentina will be without its brightest star for the majority of their World Cup qualifying campaign after Lionel Messi was issued a four-match ban.
Related: Messi banned 4 matches for profane tirade, out for Bolivia qualifier
Considering the Barcelona star will miss more time than Neil Taylor will for breaking Seamus Coleman's leg, the football world was left baffled and stunned by FIFA's decision to ban the 29-year-old for four matches after he allegedly insulted a match official.
Making matters worse is that Argentina - losers of their last three games without Messi - discovered his fate just hours before Tuesday's qualifier against Bolivia.
Here's a glimpse into the outrage (and conspiracy theories!) that dominated Twitter in the moments after FIFA revealed the ban:
Insulting the officials is not acceptable behaviour, but it does not merit a four-match ban. Happens every game. Messi hung out to dry.
— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) March 28, 2017
... Players in every team in every league get away with it every week ... and then Messi gets a four-game ban? Bizarre and unjust (3/3)
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) March 28, 2017
that's quite a precedent to set
— Steve Douglas (@sdouglas80) March 28, 2017
Messi's 4-match ban for abusing referee does counter the narrative that Messi is the nice guy compared to Ronaldo in their rivalry
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) March 28, 2017
Announcing a suspension 5 and a half hours before a game is absurd. You have to give teams a fair chance to prepare.
— Jonathan Wilson (@jonawils) March 28, 2017
Pretty sure Messi swearing was Higuain's fault somehow
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) March 28, 2017
Four games? What could he have possibly said that warrants a four game suspension?
— Jason Davis ⚽🦅 (@davisjsn) March 28, 2017
Four game ban is a bit strong. Did Messi give that ref tax advice?
— Footie Mob (@FootieMob) March 28, 2017
Maybe he spoiled The Walking Dead. #MessiBan
— Jason Davis ⚽🦅 (@davisjsn) March 28, 2017
Can't help but wonder if FIFA is still angry that Lionel Messi didn't show up for their award show this year.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) March 28, 2017