Lionel Messi was given a red card for the second time in his career during Argentina vs Chile, third face-off Copa America 2019. The Argentine skipper was sent off the field after he got Gary Medel pushed him and the referee flashed a red card to both players. Despite the fact that he did not react to the red card, this act surely did not go down well with Messi and as a mark of protest, the Barcelona star did not attend the medal ceremony. Copa America is Set Up for Brazil's Win, Messi Fumes at CONMEBOL.

The Barcelona star went on to hit out at the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). “We don't have to be part of this corruption," Messi told reporters. “The lack of respect that they have showed us throughout this tournament. Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don’t allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit.”

Messi also said that the cup is fixed from Brazil and also hoped that the VAR and referees have nothing to do in this during the finals of the Copa America."I think the cup is fixed for Brazil," Messi added. "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."

Argentina was fighting for the third spot after they lost the semi-finals against Brazil by 2-0. Messi’s team won the game by 2-1 and the finals of the Copa America 2019 will be played between Brazil and Peru.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 07, 2019 06:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).