Argentina Captain Lionel Messi has hit out at the South American Football Authority, accusing them of setting up Brazil to win the tournament.
Argentina finished third after overcoming Chile 2-1 on Saturday, but the game was overshadowed by the first half dismissal of the Argentine captain after clashing with Chilean player Medel .
However, it was believed that Messi had done nothing wrong to warrant the matching order, after it appeared that Medel had brought his forward, as both players squared up in an awkward exchange.
The 32-year-old Barcelona captain, later went on to shun the medal presentation, before launching another attack against the continent’s football governing body and the referees.
“There is no doubt, the whole thing is set up for Brazil,” he fired, before suggesting that he paid the price for his previous outburst against the refereeing of the semi final.
“I hope the VAR and referees don’t play any part in the final and that Peru can compete but it looks tough to me.
“I did not want to be part of this corruption, we shouldn’t have to be part of this disrepect we suffered during the Copa America.
“We could have gone further but we weren’t allowed into the final. Corruption, referees and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football.
“I always tell the truth and I’m honest, that is what keeps me calm, if what I say has repercussions that is not my business.
“I think that what happened is because of what I said [against Brazil].
“What I said last time perhaps came back to haunt me. With a yellow card that was the end of it.”
Messi previously criticised the playing pitch at the Copa America after Argentina’s last-eight victory over Venezuela , branded it “shameful” after a below par performance.
COMMENTS