Copa America referee explains the reason why he gave a controversial red card to Lionel Messi in Argentina Vs. Chile last night.
Argentina faced Chile in a highly controversial match for the 3rd place finish in the Copa America, as in the 38th minute of the game, the match official dismissed both Lionel Messi and Gary Medel after a brief heated tussle between them.
However, many fans online were shocked, as Messi was seen doing nothing, which could be considered as red card worthy. Lionel Messi later went on to accuse the officials of bias and did not attend the ceremony to collect his Copa America bronze medal.
On the other hand, match report by Mario Diaz De Vivar was eagerly anticipated after the game, with Messi’s sending off the main talking point, and its contents have now been released by Mundo Deportivo.
According to the Spanish newspaper, Mario Díaz de Vivar claimed he had “no choice” but to dismiss Messi for “a strong blow with the shoulder”.
The Paraguayan claims he saw the number 10 “confront the opponent in an incident that happened when the ball no longer it was in game”.
the referee accused him of “brutally beating with the chest and arm the opponent”. Once again, possibly a slight exaggeration. Although, Messi’s exit from the pitch did not mean anything to the outcome of the match, as Argentina were dominating the game with two early goals in the game, and managed to keep the game.
Furthermore, Messi later alleged that the competition is rigged to be won by the Brazil, as the Barcelona superstar earlier also complained about bias refereeing in the semi-final fixture of the tournament against Brazil.
How twitter reacted
Red card for Messi! Messi chases down a throughball that runs out of play, before engaging in a shoving match with Medel. Messi gives him a little nudge and Medel took exception, turning and getting right in his face as both players get a red! #ARG
LIVE: https://t.co/VeJjdI1ZTp pic.twitter.com/DB171qzNKH
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) July 6, 2019
Lionel Messi was shown only the second red card of his career in Argentina's #CopaAmerica third place play-off.https://t.co/6yCiW0A41F pic.twitter.com/kxhGq2nJWI
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/AryanGOAT10/status/1147593937051217920
https://twitter.com/RM_Hashem/status/1147609533772120066
LOOOOOL RED CARD FOR MESSI REF?????? pic.twitter.com/CpJOPex98N
— Sahil (@CriminalFIFA_) July 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/Twitugal/status/1147636299781804032
Messi started off the scuffle with Gary Medel but fans only choose to see the part where he acts victim,fully deserved red card #CopaAmericapic.twitter.com/PgM1IXR0pX
— Pye Waw (@pyewaw) July 6, 2019
https://twitter.com/XammyOfficial/status/1147639135781425152
What’s next?
Brazil will face the underdogs Peru in the final of the Copa America tonight.
