RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – (G1) After complaining about Brazilian football pitches a few days ago, an angered Messi harshly criticized the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) after being sent off in Argentina’s 2-1 win over Chile in the third-place play-off for Copa América.
He was given a red card in the 37th minute after a disagreement with Chilean Gary Medel. In protest, Messi failed to return to the field after the match to be awarded the Copa América bronze medal — neither did his compatriot defender Otamendi.
With no mention of the Argentinian No. 10 jersey, Conmebol released a note on Saturday night that classified as “unacceptable” the charges that have challenged the integrity of the Copa América.
In summary, referee Mario Daz de Vivar justified why Messi was sent off, as follows: “To employ offensive, insulting, or humiliating language and/or gestures. For coming into confrontation with the opponent, in an incident when the ball was not in play, applying a strong blow with the shoulder to the opponent — due to lack of options the last item was chosen.”
After the harsh statements following Argentina’s elimination against Brazil, when he fiercely criticized the use of VAR and attacked Conmebol, Messi was more incisive this time: he said that the Copa América is designed for the Brazilian team to win.
“The truth has to be told, I’m going quietly, with my head up and I’m proud of this growing group. I want you to respect that group; it has a lot to give,” said Messi.
Messi leaves the Copa América with just one goal from a penalty kick in a 1-1 draw with Paraguay in the second round. Argentina’s jersey number 10 will have to serve a suspension in the opening match of the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches, which will begin in March of next year.
This was Messi’s second career send-off. The player, who had never taken a red card for Barcelona, had only been sent off once for Argentina, just as he made his debut in 2005 in a match against Hungary.