Messi launches tirade at ref after Copa loss

Argentina captain Lionel Messi blasted the officiating after the workforce’s 2-Zero loss to Brazil within the Copa America semifinals that knocked them out of the match.

Brazil superior to the ultimate over their archrivals in a feisty, bodily match at Belo Horizonte’s Minerao stadium behind targets from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino. The hosts will face both Peru or Chile in Sunday’s last on the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Whereas the match has been tormented by prolonged stoppages for the video assistant referee (VAR), Ecuadoran referee Roddy Zambrano most popular to let the sport run, which incensed Argentina when VAR didn’t come into play on a number of events.

“[The officials] have been bored with making bulls— calls at this Copa they usually did not go to VAR. It was unbelievable,” Messi stated after the loss.

“It was like that every one match. It was bulls— that they have been doing all of it match. There isn’t any excuse, it have to be appeared into. Hopefully, CONMEBOL does one thing about these type of referees.

“As a result of we did every part to try to advance however [the officials] stacked the deck towards us. I do not imagine they may do something as a result of Brazil controls every part, so it is vitally difficult. However I do not suppose we should always really feel unhealthy for something. It did not occur and we had unhealthy luck.”

– Copa America: All you want to know
– Full Copa America fixtures schedule

Messi, who has nonetheless not gained a serious title with Argentina, was extra influential than in his first few matches right here however was nonetheless a pale shadow of the participant who has gained every part along with his membership Barcelona.

“I am upset as a result of we had an ideal match, an ideal effort,” the person from Rosario added. “It wasn’t for it to complete in that means, as a result of they weren’t the higher workforce.”

Lionel Messi criticised the officiating following Argentina’s loss to Brazil on the Copa America. AP Picture/Ricardo Mazalan

Like his star participant, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni additionally complained in regards to the referee’s selections.

“I did not just like the referee, I do not often make these feedback,” Scaloni stated. “I do not suppose he was certified for a match of this degree.”

Scaloni thought-about that in Firmino’s aim, his workforce had heard a whistle at first of Jesus’ transfer. The Argentina coach was additionally sad with the truth that Argentina picked up six bookings to Brazil’s two.

“If a midfielder participant is on a yellow card this adjustments issues. There have been numerous small particulars the place the match began to lose its steadiness due to these selections.”

Messi, who give up the nationwide facet after the 2016 Copa America last loss solely to return for the 2018 World Cup, instructed he was nonetheless dedicated to the Argentina trigger. The nation will co-host the 2020 Copa America with Colombia, giving him one other shot at a continental title.

“One thing new is on the horizon,” he stated, including that he hoped the followers again dwelling would recognise the facet’s effort in the course of the match.

“I hope we’re revered and never criticised. They need to let the workforce be and allow them to develop.

“The reality is I’ve acquired on very nicely with this group of gamers and if I’ve to assist ultimately I’ll. It is a nice group which is rising and if I can be a part of them I’ll.”

Info from Reuters and the Related Press was used on this report.