Lionel Messi is not one of the most popular sportspeople in history solely for his footballing ability.

He is widely admired for preserving his humble nature despite achieving just about everything on offer at the highest level.

It is his unique humility that makes the Barcelona and Argentina superstar such a likeable individual – but also the reason any diversion from his usual personality comes as such a shock.

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Football fans the world over were in awe after FIFA slapped Messi with a four-game ban for verbally abusing a match official during the recent World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Chile.

It was also reported by journalist Gonzo Stupenengo that Diego Maradona was the one who had the final call on the suspension – an accusation the 1986 World Cup winner strongly denies.

The 56-year-old says the details of the ban – which were published on the FIFA website before the Argentina Football Association was informed – were determined without his involvement.

“The punishment of Leo Messi is exaggerated. In American football, they talk with their hands in front of their mouths. What happened with Messi and the linesman was seen,” Maradona said, as per 101GreatGoals.

“Messi’s absence was key in Bolivia. It’s like taking Cristiano out of Portugal…

“It hurts me when they say that I had an influence in Messi getting suspended for four matches. I swear to God I knew nothing. I started to investigate and Messi’s sanction started in CONMEBOL.

“I’m going to talk to [Gianni] Infantino because it’s terrible.

“I’ve called Messi a lot of times to talk but never got a response back. Messi’s a great guy who doesn’t complain about anything, trains… He’s like a teddy bear with his team mates.”

It is tough for any side to cope without their star player for four games, let alone one that relies on the influence of Messi as much as Argentina does.

The football authorities have not afforded the 29-year-old any special treatment for his uncharacteristic outburst, which saw him direct extremely aggressive and personal abuse towards officials.

While such behaviour should never be condoned regardless of the player involved, it is hardly a surprise to see many leaping to Messi’s defence in light of his particularly harsh punishment.

Is Messi's four-game justified? Give YOUR opinion in the comment box below!