CONMEBOL rejects Argentina's appeal for Messi ban reduction

The 32-year-old was handed a three-month ban and fined $50,000 in August for accusing South America's governing body of football of "corruption".

Buenos Aires: The AFA's (Argentine Football Association) appeal to CONMEBOL regarding revocation of Lionel Messi's three-month ban from international matches met with a major blow. Messi was allegedly banned for a three-month time from Argentina's international matches in last summer's Copa America under dramatic circumstances.

The 32-year-old was handed a three-month ban and fined $50,000 in August for accusing South America's governing body of football of "corruption".

The Barcelona starlet slammed match officials and members of CONMEBOL following Argentina's semifinal loss to Brazil and after the third-place match against Chile. Later he rendered an apology to the continental governing body of football in South America.

Lionel Messi was shown red card during Argentina's match against Chile.

Messi skipped the Copa America medal ceremony in protest and later said Argentina "shouldn't take part in this corruption."Asked if he feared being suspended for his comments, he said: "The truth needed to be told."Argentina sought to get Messi's ban reduced but failed. The ruling means he cannot return to international play until Nov. 3 and will, therefore, miss his country's friendlies against Germany and Ecuador.Argentina face Germany on Oct. 9 and then Ecuador on Oct. 13.