Sports

Messi decries corruption at Copa America

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Lionel Messi decried what he said was the “corruption and the referees” at the Copa America after being rudely sent off as Argentina clinched 3rd place following a 2-1 victory over Chile.

During the match, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi and Chile captain Gary Medel were given their marching orders 8 minutes from halftime after tangling on the goal line, reported Rappler, citing Agence France Presse (AFP).

“Corruption and the referees are preventing people from enjoying the football and they’re ruining it a bit,” AFP quoted Messi as saying.

Messi was already visibly upset by the refereeing during Argentina’s 2-0 semifinal loss against Brazil, claiming the hosts were getting preferential treatment from South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL.

The match will be most remembered for the double sending-off and the melee it sparked.

In what seemed an innocuous clash, a frustrated Messi shoved Medel in the back as the center-back shepherded the ball out of play.

A furious Medel responded by chest-bumping Messi twice in an incident that probably merited no more than a single yellow card for the Chilean. (AFP photo)

Staff Report

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