Maradona to speak with FIFA president about reducing Messi's 'terrible' ban

Few people in Argentina are more familiar with FIFA's disciplinary committee than Diego Maradona.

Controversy followed Maradona throughout his playing and coaching career, and the Argentine legend was forced to serve a series of bans for everything from violent conduct on the pitch to drug offences.

The severity of his past charges may explain Maradona's disgust with FIFA after the world football governing body banned Lionel Messi for four matches following an outburst at a linesman during Argentina's victory over Chile.

In an interview with Argentine radio station La Oral Deportiva, translated by Adriana Garcia of ESPNFC, Maradona - a FIFA ambassador - revealed he plans to talk to FIFA president Gianni Infantino about reducing the suspension.

"Messi's ban is excessive and terrible," Maradona said. "Very shortly I will meet with Infantino in Bahrain and as usual, I will tell him what I think."

He added: "Four games is a lot and although his words were very strong, I think it (the ban) can be changed."

Despite losing to Bolivia hours after learning about the ban, Argentina sits fifth in the CONMEBOL table. The top four countries will qualify for the 2018 World Cup directly while the fifth-place team must take part in a play-off. Qualifying, however, is expected to be much tougher as the South American nation will be missing arguably its top player for three of the remaining four qualifying matches.

Though he didn't provide proof, Maradona accused the South Amercian governing body of intentionally evaluating Messi's actions more severely.

"(Messi) gives everything he has. And CONMEBOL was behind the sanction. I looked into it and asked around," he said.

Maradona then joked that he's tried to get in touch with Messi, but has had more luck getting ahold of Argentina's president than he's had with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"It's easier to talk to (Argentina president) Mauricio Macri than to Messi," the 56-year-old said. "I've called him many times regarding issues we've had in common but never got a reply."

Argentina takes on Uruguay next on Aug. 31 before its final three qualifiers against Venezuela, Peru, and Ecuador.