FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Racing Santander as he shows a message on his undershirt reading "happy birthday mummy". -AP Photo

MADRID: Lionel Messi has been fined for lifting his shirt to reveal a vest wishing his mother a happy birthday after scoring a goal for Barcelona, the Spanish football federation said on Tuesday.

The world player of the year ran over to a television camera to reveal the words “Happy birthday, mami” on an undershirt after scoring a penalty in Barca's 3-0 home win over Racing Santander on Saturday.

The referee did not book the Argentine forward for the celebration but mentioned the action in his match report.

The federation's disciplinary committee punished Messi under their article 91.1 for goal celebrations, which carries a fine of between 2000 and 3000 euros, and awarded him a yellow card.

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