Argentina loses Lionel Messi, then match
Messi’s suspension for “having directed insulting words at an assistant referee” during a home qualifier last week against Chile started Tuesday, shortly before his teammates played Bolivia in La Paz.
The five-time FIFA Player of the Year can appeal to FIFA, but is on track to return for Argentina’s final match in the 10-team South American qualifying group, hosting Ecuador on Oct. 10.
The benefit of using video referees during games was highlighted when Spain rightly profited from two decisions made away from the field of play to beat France in an international friendly in Paris.
FIFA, the game’s governing body, has been using video assistant referees on a trial basis since last year and this was the first time that the extra official was used in a soccer match in France.
Video help was needed again in the 77th minute to overturn an incorrect offside call.
Galaxy player hurt: LA Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget needs foot surgery and will be sidelined four to six months after getting hurt while playing for the United States in a World Cup qualifier against Honduras.