Lionel Messi dodges Argentina ban ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has been cleared to play two international fixtures scheduled next month after president of Argentina Football Association Claudio Tapia confirmed that Lionel Messi will be available. Tapia stated that Argentine icon won't miss any game for Argentina next month. Messi was handed a ban after being sent off in Copa America third-place playoff against Chile in July last year.

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Lionel Messi dodges Argentina ban ahead of World Cup qualifiers

South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) had earlier stated that Lionel Messi would have to miss a competitive game and that friendlies won't count for same. CONMEBOL's decision meant, refore, that Messi would have to miss a World Cup qualifier. However, Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia successfully challenged outstanding ban with  South American Football Confederation by claiming that statute of limitations on ban has expired. 

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Messi was expected to serve ban by missing Argentina’s qualifier against Ecuador that is scheduled to take place in Bues Aires on October 8 for levelling accusations of corruption at South American soccer chiefs.  However, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez confirmed statute of limitations has expired and that Barcelona skipper will be eligible to play. Argentina, who last won World Cup in 1986, kick off ir qualifying campaign with a doubleheader at home to Ecuador and away to Bolivia.

Messi transfer news: Argentina icon returns to training

Last month was a rollercoaster ride in Catalonia as Lionel Messi handed in a shock transfer request to Barcelona. It was later reported that Lionel Messi had agreed to a five-year deal with City Football Group. saga continued over a tussle between club and player over release clause and in end, Messi decided to make a U-turn on his firm decision to leave and decided to see his contract through at Barcelona. 33-year-old club legend will w look to put controversy behind him and cover up for missing previous training sessions after confirming that he will be staying for ar season at Camp u.

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Im courtesy: AP