Lionel Messi hit out at the match officials after Argentina’s Copa America semi-final loss to Brazil on Tuesday night.
Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 in Belo Horizonte but the game was marked by a number of controversial incidents – including possible fouls in the lead up to the two goals and another penalty appeal which was not reviewed by the video assistant referee.
Argentina thought there was a foul on Lautaro Martinez in the build-up to the opening goal, scored by Gabriel Jesus after 19 minutes, while the Albiceleste players saw two penalty shouts waved away in the second half.
The first of those was for what looked like a clear Dani Alves foul on Sergio Aguero, which took place in the very move which led to Roberto Firmino’s goal after 71 minutes, while the second came following what appeared to be a deliberate shove by Arthur on Nicolas Otamendi.
Neither of those were assessed by VAR and Messi was left frustrated after the game.
“The officiating was crazy,” he said in the mixed zone. “There were clear penalties, on Otamendi, on ‘Kun’ (Aguero). He was on their side: in every divided ball or dispute, he inclined the pitch their way.
“It’s not an excuse, but the truth is that, in this Copa, they kept on blowing for stupid things, for handballs, penalties. But today, they didn’t even go to VAR when there were clear plays that should have been looked at.”
Messi, who hit the post in the second half, was so often unaided by his team-mates as he attacked from deep positions and the 32-year-old has now missed out on silverware in nine tournaments with Argentina’s senior side.
Since winning the Under-20 World Cup and an Olympic gold medal with the U-23 team early in his career, the Barcelona forward has suffered serial disappointment with his national side.
This latest loss in the semi-finals follows a last-16 exit in the World Cup last summer and four final defeats prior to that, with chances now running out to claim a major trophy for his country.
But there is another Copa America ahead in 2020, with next year’s competition to take place in Argentina and Colombia.
Some of the younger players—including Lautaro Martinez, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo de Paul, Giovani Lo Celso and Juan Foyth—have done well in this Copa and the Albiceleste will now need to look ahead to next year’s tournament, as well as building for the World Cup in 2022, with a decision also to be made on Lionel Scaloni’s future as coach.
“These lads showed they love the national team,” Messi said. “It’s a start and we have to be relaxed because Argentina has to keep growing.
“There is a big base and we have to give them time. Let’s hope they are respected and that they aren’t criticised. I felt really good with this group and if I can help in some way, I will.”
Argentina fans will be hoping they can help him too as the wait for an international trophy goes on for at least another year following Tuesday’s loss in Belo Horizonte.
