Dani Alves has called former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi “disrespectful” after the Argentina forward suggested the Copa America was rigged in Brazil’s favour.
Messi, who was controversially sent off during his country’s third-place playoff win over Chile, took his anger out on CONMEBOL, accusing officials of favouring the hosts and penalising Argentina more harshly.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s rant was labelled “unacceptable” by CONMBEBOL and led to criticism from Brazil manager Tite.
And Alves, despite his long-term affinity with Barcelona's record goal scorer, added to those condemning Messi for his comments.
“A friend is not always right just because he's a friend. You can say it in the heat of the moment, but I still won't agree,” Alves told SporTV's 'Bem Amigos'.
“Firstly, he's disrespecting an institution such as the Selecao, in my view. Secondly, he's being disrespectful with several professionals who put a lot of things aside so they could be there fighting for a dream.
“I'm a friend who always tells the truth when it's due, and I think he was wrong for saying these things.”
Brazil beat Peru 3-1 on Sunday night at the Maracana to win a ninth Copa America, their first in 12 years.
Alves also came to the defence of club and international teammate Neymar, who was absent from the Copa America due to injury and faced criticism for skipping Paris Saint-Germain’s first training session of pre-season.
“Sometimes I feel there's this sensibility over Neymar that everything he does should be put under scrutiny,” the 36-year-old said. “I disagree with a lot of the criticism about him because some of it targets his off-pitch doings and not his football, where he's always provided results.
“As a friend, my job is ensuring Neymar understands that he must find ways to realise his gift for football.”
