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RIO DE JANEIRO, July 7 – Conmebol, the South American football governing body, fought back yesterday against Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, accused of corruption.
Messi responded after being sent off in Argentina's 2-1 win over third place against Chile earlier in the day.
The five-time winner of the Ballon d'Or has been involved in a tangle with Chilean captain Gary Medel. Messi did not seem to do anything wrong, but referee Mario Diaz de Vivar ordered the two players to walk.
"It is unacceptable that as a result of incidents regularly forming part of the competition … unfounded and false accusations have been launched that call into question the integrity of Copa America," he said. Conmebol in a statement posted on its social media.
Previously, Messi was scathing in his attack against Conmebol and the referees of the competition after Argentina felt aggrieved for the second consecutive game.
He even accused the governing body of favoring Brazilian hosts.
"Corruption and referees prevent people from enjoying football and they ruin it a bit," said the world star.
"I think there is no doubt that Brazil will be champion. Copa is oriented towards Brazil, "he added.
Argentina said it was denied two clear penalties in the 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semifinal, complaining that referee Roddy Zambrano had refused to consult VAR for the match. check the validity of their requests.
And again, Argentina was angry that Diaz de Vivar refused to consult the video badistance to verify the incident between Messi and Medel.
Messi had pushed Medel in the back while the Chilean captain prevented the ball out of the game.
Medel reacted furiously, hitting Messi on the chest several times and seeming to push his head towards the Argentine captain, who did not react.
Yet both were sent back by Diaz de Vivar.
Messi said his red card was "repercussions" for the critics he's expressed after the defeat in Brazil.
"These accusations are a lack of respect for the competition, for all participating footballers and hundreds of professionals from Conmebol, an institution that, since 2016, has worked tirelessly to improve the transparency, professionalism and development of South American football. "said Conmebol.
The governing body stated that "a fundamental pillar of fair play is to accept the results with loyalty and respect."
The Argentine coach, Lionel Scaloni, said about Messi's red card, "I still do not understand what Messi did to get fired." – AFP
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