South American football bosses say accusations questioning the integrity of the Copa America are "unfounded" and "represent a lack of respect".

Argentina captain Lionel Messi claimed the competition was "corrupt" after he was sent off in their 2-1 third-place play-off win over Chile on Saturday.

"The cup's fixed for Brazil," he added.

The Argentine Football Association complained about "serious and gross refereeing errors" after Wednesday's 2-0 semi-final defeat by hosts Brazil.

Messi was shown a red in the 37th-minute against Chile, following a clash with Gary Medel, who was also dismissed.

"We don't have to be part of this corruption," said the Barcelona forward. "They have showed us a lack of respect throughout this tournament.

"Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don't allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit."

The South American Football Confederation Conmebol later released a statement, which did not directly refer to Messi, saying: "A fundamental pillar of fair play is to accept the results with loyalty and respect.

"It is unacceptable that as a result of incidents typical in competitions, involving 12 teams, all on equal terms, unfounded accusations have been launched that lack the truth and question the integrity of the Copa America.

"These accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the participating players and the hundreds of professionals of Conmebol."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48899042

Lalasticlala Mynd44

Journalist: "Who would you rather take a game-deciding penalty? #Messi or Ronaldo?"

Zlatan: #Messi. I want the game to go to extra time.

Morales

The referee goofed on the red card, but this guy should shut the hell up. His case his just synonymous with Nigerians and Africans at large who always blame the ref and officials after every horrendous performance of theirs at the global stage

Truly lack of respect. And this guy d hide do bad thing.

hmmm

C Ronaldo,,, GOAT �

see as messi they look red card






like dog take they look bone

see as messi they look red card






like dog take they take look bone

I respect Messi alot... But he bottled up at the tournament and now he's looking for excuses... He should remember that he had enjoyed corruption on many times At FCB.

What stops him from retiring from National football before he ends up soiling the reputation he's built over the years

Blamed the pitch and later blamed corruption


This is just a football version of Atiku Abubakar. Always looking for loop holes to fault.

Feel what others were feeling then when the table was on your side..

Messi been looking at the card as if he had never seen it before.. Kikikikiki


ORORO MI 4 THE BALLON D'OR! how many pple support me

Ok

This competition has finished Messi’s career. Messi as a god of soccer could not even win Copa tournament not to talk of the World Cup. Well to me Ronaldo is still the best compared to the two of them. Likes for Ronaldo and Share for Messi!!!

oga move on Argentina grass no like u go chop Barcelona grass dat u ar used to... For world cup wey Refree no blow penalty against u guys we moved on

sureteeboy:
The referee goofed on the red card, but this guy should shut the hell up. His case his just synonymous with Nigerians and Africans at large who always blame the ref and officials after every horrendous performance of theirs at the global stage

You didn't even realise that you are speaking from both sides of the mouth.

Benekruku:
Blamed the pitch and later blamed corruption


This is just a football version of Atiku Abubakar. Always looking for loop holes to fault.

Ah an, na Buhari Dey blame, modify

because he no win, the tournament is corrupt

If dem born dem well make dem fine am or ban him from playing copa america

I don't know why Nairaland has failed to post many articles that support Messi's claim...
Do you guys expect COMEBOL President to admit that corruption was involved??

Messi is now the most hated player on Nairaland!!!

Messi bashing loading in comment section...

sureteeboy:
The referee goofed on the red card, but this guy should shut the hell up. His case his just synonymous with Nigerians and Africans at large who always blame the ref and officials after every horrendous performance of theirs at the global stage

He is the best in the continent.. His humility does not translate to timidity... He is like the voice for the voiceless. He has spoken well!!!
COMEBOL should fix themselves!!!

Benekruku:
Blamed the pitch and later blamed corruption


This is just a football version of Atiku Abubakar. Always looking for loop holes to fault.

You are referring to a player that is greater than all African player in history combined!!! Funny right??

Messi is RUGA

What has become of this man bayi

maasoap:


You didn't even realise that you are speaking from both sides of the mouth.

My point is, the Referee isn't responsible for Argentina's misery in the tournament. They lost their first game, struggled to win a few and lost soundly to Brazil at the Semi Final.

sureteeboy:

My point is, the Referee isn't responsible for Argentina's misery in the tournament. They lost their first game, struggled to win a few and lost soundly to Brazil at the Semi Final.

Did you watch the game against Brazil?

sureteeboy:
The referee goofed on the red card, but this guy should shut the hell up. His case his just synonymous with Nigerians and Africans at large who always blame the ref and officials after every horrendous performance of theirs at the global stage

can you just shut up if you don't watch all d matches

we know how e dey go...south America football is dem corrupt we knew it