Argentina's soccer star Lionel Messi has been handed a 3-month ban from international football after he accused the Copa America organizers of corruption.

Soccer body CONMEBOL further announced that Messi has been issued a fine of $50,000 in addition to the ban. The remarks came right after Argentina's 2-1 loss to Chile in the third-place playoff of the tournament in July, where the player was sent off for a physical clash with Gary Medel. Claiming that the competition was favouring Brazil, Messi said after the match, "We don't have to be part of this corruption. They have showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament. Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don't allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit. I think the cup is fixed for Brazil."

CONMEBOL responded in a statement, "It's unacceptable that there have been unfounded accusations that misrepresent the truth and put to judgement the integrity of Copa America.

The accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL."