By Daily Sports on July 4, 2019
Argentina captain Lionel Messi blasted the officiating after the team’s 2-0 loss to Brazil in the Copa America semifinals that knocked them out of the tournament.
Brazil advanced to the final over their archrivals in a feisty, physical match at Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino. The hosts will face either Peru or Chile in Sunday’s final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
While the tournament has been plagued by lengthy stoppages for the video assistant referee (VAR), Ecuadoran referee Roddy Zambrano preferred to let the game run, which incensed Argentina when VAR did not come into play on several occasions.
“[The officials] were tired of making bulls – calls at this Copa and they didn’t go to VAR. It was unbelievable,” Messi said after the loss.
“It was like that all match. It was bulls – that they were doing it all match. There is no excuse – it must be looked into. Hopefully, CONMEBOL does something about these kind of referees.
“Because we did everything to try and advance but [the officials] stacked the deck against us. I don’t believe they will do anything because Brazil controls everything, so it is very complicated. But I don’t think we should feel bad for anything. It didn’t happen and we had bad luck.” (ESPN)
•Photo shows Lionel Messi
Source Daily Sports
Posted July 4, 2019
You may also like...
Manchester United End Trippier Chase
Wolves Spank Everton To Climb Back Into Top...
Pochettino bookmakers’ hot favourite to take over at...
Gov. Diri Directs Payment Of Outstanding Cash Reward...
Lampard Warns Chelsea Against Complacency In Top-Four Race...
NFF inducted into FOI Hall of Shame’

Nigerians slam Eagles’ reliance on Osimhen
2026 W’Cup miss, moment of profound sadness – NFF
Finidi charges Rivers players to score more
NFF apologises to Tinubu, Nigerians over Super Eagles’ World Cup miss
Osimhen big miss for Nigeria – DR Congo’s Sadiki
WCQ: Chelle claims DR Congo official used voodoo during penalty shootout
Anyanacho wins bronze at Islamic Game
FirstBank secures partnerships for Lagos Open
Nigeria wins best country crown at World Scrabble Champs
Our best wasn’t enough, Nwabali laments DR Congo defeat
'One of the best in Africa' - DR Congo coach admits Leopards are not on Super
We can’t celebrate yet – Chelle
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,344 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (54,572 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,509 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,136 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,127 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,048 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (51,892 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,474 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,597 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,172 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,556 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,038 views)