Leo Messi faces suspension as FIFA open an investigation

Argentina could be in big trouble.

Last week La Albiceleste boosted their hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia with a 1-0 win over Chile in Buenos Aires.

The only goal of the game was scored by Leo Messi, who converted from the penalty spot.

Leo Messi's 58th goal for Argentina.
From a penalty v Chile!pic.twitter.com/i5jbrTb0mS
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) March 23, 2017

Victory lifted Argentina up from fifth in the South American qualifying table to third, while Chile dropped to sixth.

This week Argentina face another enormous match as they travel to La Paz to take on Bolivia in what’s sure to be a hugely testing match due to the altitude.

Last time Argentina played away in Bolivia, the match ended 1-1 while Messi puked on the pitch due to altitude sickness.

Argentina have named their team for the crucial World Cup qualifier in Bolivia pic.twitter.com/SGgaVWZ2HP
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) March 27, 2017

But will Messi even take part?

Argentina could be without Messi for the Bolivia game.

Why? Because FIFA have opened an investigation into the FC Barcelona star’s behaviour during last week’s Chile match.

Messi insulted two officials in the Chile game. Leo hurled abuse at assistants Marcelo Van Gasse (“F*** off, your mother’s c***”) and Dewson Silva, and both incidents were broadcasted on TV.

While the incident was not included in the match officials’ original report, it was added on Monday and sent to CONMEBOL.

The governing body will now take a decision of what punishment to hand down to Messi and if they decide to suspend him, the forward could miss the clash with Bolivia.

Moreover, it’s being suggested that Messi could receive a ban for between two to four games. In the worst case scenario, Messi would miss international matches against Bolivia, Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru.