Leo also went on to suggest that the red card he received in the match against Chile was not because of what happened in the field but because he had criticised the umpires.
Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures during the Copa America football tournament third-place match against Chile at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on July 6, 2019. (Photo by Nelson ALMEIDA / AFP)
Star footballer Lionel Messi may well receive a harsh punishment from CONMEBOL, the institution which governs football in South America, after he accused the federation of “fixing” the Copa America in favour of Brazil.
On Monday (IST), Brazil defeated Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium to clinch their ninth Copa America title. This win also marked their fifth title on the home soil.
Messi, in his recent comments, has been upset and angry at the refereeing and is of the opinion that the tournament was set up for Brazil.
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Notably, Argentina had to face defeat against Brazil in the semi-final of the tournament. In this match, a couple of penalties were denied to Argentina even when the replays showed that the decisions could have been given in Argentina’s favour.
Post the match, captain of the Argentina team, Messi, heavily criticised the refereeing in his post-match comments and press conferences. However, the issue got to the boiling point when the Argentine accused CONMEBOL after Argentina had defeated Chile to get the Bronze title.
After the game, Messi said, “I think the cup is fixed for Brazil. I hope that the VAR and the referees have nothing to do in this final and that Peru can compete because they have the team to do so although I think it’s difficult.”
Leo also went on to suggest that the red card he received in the match against Chile was not because of what happened in the field but because he had criticised the umpires.
In response, CONMEBOL released a statement in which they described Messi’s comments as “unacceptable” since it clearly shows disrespect for the coveted tournament.
Messi’s comments may result in some extreme and harsh punishments for him and his national team as well.
As per the rule, insulting the federation or its members is prohibited and the Argentine Superstar was in violation of that rule.
As per Article 7, Point 2(b) and 2(d) of the rules laid out by the CONMEBOL, Messi’s behaviour may lead him to face a ban of two years. Similar punishment may be faced by the President of the Argentine Football Association, Cladio Tapia.
If Messi is indeed given a ban, he would not be able to feature in either the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers or the 2020 Copa America.
With him turning 34 by then, was this the last time he was spotted donning the national colours?
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