Argentina’s Messi will be available for World Cup qualifiers: AFA President

Lionel Messi has been given a clean chit to play for his country in the World Cup qualifiers next month against Ecuador, the president of Argentine Football Association (AFA) has said. Messi was banned for one match during last year’s Copa America game against Chile.

Messi will play against Ecuador, says AFA President

The Argentine legend has brought laurels for his club, Barcelona, but hasn’t been able to replicate the same for his country. Argentina has reached three Copa America finals and one World Cup final under his wings but the team failed to cross the finishing line.

Messi was shown red card in the Copa America third-place match against Chile. He was infuriated after the match and had accused South African soccer chiefs of corruption charges. Follwing the incident, the Barcelona captain was expected to warm the bench against Ecuador, slated on October 8.

Claudio Tapia, the president of AFA, said that Messi will be available for the match against Ecuador.  

Tapia cleared the speculation around Messi’s ban after consulting with the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) President Alejandro Dominguez. Dominguez said,“confirmed the statute of limitations had expired and that he (Messi) is able to play.”

Argentina, who last won the FIFA World Cup in 1986, will look forward to kick off their qualifying campaign with a victory over Ecuador. And Messi will look to win a major international tournament with Argentina before hanging his boots.

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