Lionel Messi: Punishments Argentina star could face after furious outburst at referee

• Lionel Messi's furious outburst at the referee during Argentina's game against Paraguay could land him in trouble
• The Albiceleste captain called the referee a coward in an angry meltdown as the teams walked off for halftime break
• FIFA rules frown upon unsportsmanlike behaviour towards match officials, with strict suspensions in place

Lionel Messi could be in trouble if FIFA chooses to review footage of Argentina's game against Paraguay on November 14.

Messi led his national side at the Defensores del Chaco Stadium in Asuncion for a World Cup qualifier match.

Lionel Messi argues with the referee during Argentina's game against Paraguay on November 14. Photo by Christian Alvarenga.
Source: Getty Images

It wasn't the best of outings for the reigning World champions as they surrendered an early lead courtesy of a Lautaro Martinez finish to lose 2-1.

What did Lionel Messi say to the referee vs Paraguay?

The other major talking point of the game was Messi's outburst at the referee, Anderson Daronco. Messi was far from impressed after the Brazilian official failed to give Paraguay defender Omar Alderete a second yellow card at the stroke of halftime.

The Inter Miami forward wagged his finger repeatedly at the eyes of the official before reportedly telling him,

'You are a coward, I don't like you.'

FIFA's rules on harassing match officials

Now, while Messi wasn't booked in the game, he could face retrospective action from the authorities. It goes without saying that questioning referee's decisions is an offence that FIFA's handbook frowns upon.

"Anyone who insults a natural or legal person in any way, especially by using offensive gestures, signs or language, may be subject to disciplinary measures," reads part of the law.

The same handbook dictates a lengthy process of the possible sanctions a player could face if found culpable of harassing an official.

"At least four matches or an appropriate period of time for unsporting behaviour towards a match official; or at least ten matches or an appropriate period of time for intimidating or threatening a match official."

To make matters worse for Messi, Alderete scored the winning goal after the break.

Earlier this year, an MLS coach, Caleb Porter, was hit with a one-match suspension and a $20,000 fine for calling a referee a coward during a post-match conference, as captured by the League's website.

Games Lionel Messi could miss

Argentina's next game is a home game against Peru. They then have fiery clashes in March next year when they play Uruguay away before hosting Brazil a few days later.

Paraguay implements anti-Messi rule

Legit.ng reported earlier that, before their game against Argentina, Paraguay adopted a distinctive tactic to limit Messi's influence off the field.

The country imposed an unusual rule, prohibiting fans from wearing Messi jerseys in the stadium.

Source: TUKO.co.ke