Argentina will be without captain Lionel Messi for Wednesday's (AEDT) World Cup qualifier in Bolivia after he was hit with a four-match FIFA suspension for abusing a linesman in Friday's (AEDT) 1-0 win over Chile.

FIFA imposed the ban — and a fine of $13,290 — after the Barcelona star was found guilty of directing "insulting words" at the assistant referee, Marcelo Van Gasse.

Argentina will appeal the ban, national team secretary Jorge Miadosqui confirmed on Wednesday (AEDT).

Messi scored the only goal in the qualifier from the penalty spot, but he will miss Argentina's next four competitive fixtures, with only five matches left to play in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

Argentina is third in the CONMEBOL group after last week's win, with the top four teams advancing to next summer's finals in Russia.

As well as the Bolivia game, Messi will also miss matches against Uruguay, Venezuela and Peru next season.