Argentina forward Lionel Messi has cited Copa America corruption after he was sent off during the third place play-off win over Chile.
Messi was dismissed for a clash with Medel just before half-time with Argentina already leading the game 2-0 at that point thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala.
Messi was critical of the officiating in Argentina’s semi-final loss to Brazil and refused to take part in the third place medal ceremony citing a lack of respect towards the Copa nations.
“Because we don’t have to be part of this corruption, this lack of respect towards the whole Copa.”
Messi added: “I always tell the truth. That leaves me calm. Then, if what I say has repercussions, it is not to do with me as I am always sincere.”
Lionel Messi and Gary Medel both sent off after Copa America altercation
CONMEBOL fired back at the Barcelona star in a statement and said that the forward’s accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the football players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL
“In football sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and accepting the outcome of a match with loyalty and respect is a fundamental pillar of fair play. Same goes to the refereeing decisions, that are human and will never be perfect,” the statement read .
“It’s unacceptable that because of incidents proper to the competitions, where 12 nations competed in, all in equal condition, there have been unfounded accusations that misrepresent the truth and put to judgement the integrity of Copa America.
“Said accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the football players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL, an institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to professionalise and develop South American football.”
