On Friday, Argentina fans were celebrating after hearing news that Lionel Messi’s international ban had been lifted upon a successful appeal to FIFA. The Barca ace was suspended for four games for verbally abusing a referee, a punishment that nearly ended La Albiceleste’s hopes of qualifying for Russia 2018.
However, not all were celebrating this decision. One of those left unhappy by the FIFA Appeal Committee’s decision is Arturo Vidal, slamming football’s world governing body for what he sees as special treatment for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The Bayern Munich midfielder told AND Radio (as per Goal): "That's a difficult issue," Vidal is quoted as saying by AND Radio. "I wish all the rules were the same for everybody.
"It's good for Argentina, for Messi and for football. It's always nice to watch Messi playing for the national team because he always gives everything, so good for him, but I wish all the rules were the same everybody."
La Pulga already sat out one game of his four-game ban. The two-time World Cup winners lost that match 2-0 – against Bolivia. Argentina lost their automatic qualification spot, but will welcome back their influential in time to salvage their campaign.
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