Marquinhos: PSG Star lashes out Lionel Messi over refereeing decisions following Copa America triumph

Marquinhos has demanded Lionel Messi to act more professional. 

Marquinhos has demanded Lionel Messi to act more professional rather than pointing out the blame game. The PSG star has accused Argentine superstar with the past favourable refereeing decisions.

Following the loss to Brazil in the Semifinals, Lionel Messi criticised the referees for their substandard performance. During the second half, a blatant penalty was denied for the foul on Nicolas Otamendi and a debatable penalty was also denied early on in the game. On both occasions, the referee denied using the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) which came to Argentina’s frustrations.

“They were not better than us. They found the net early and the second goal came from a penalty they didn’t award,” Messi said after Semifinals defeat. “The officiating was crazy. There were clear penalties, on Nicolas Otamendi, on Sergio Aguero.”

“He [the referee] 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.”

Argentina were cruising against Chile for the third-place game, and eventually got over the line. But, controversy followed to that game as Lionel Messi was sent off undeservingly. Gary Medel was aggrieved and head-butted Messi, but, both the Skippers were shown marching orders.

After the game, Messi once again scrutinized the officiating and spoke about the bias to help Brazil win the tournament.

He said: “Sadly, the corruption, the referees, they don’t allow people to enjoy football, they ruined it a bit.

“I think the cup is fixed for Brazil. I hope that the VAR and the referees have nothing to do in this final and that Peru can compete because they have the team to do so although I think it’s difficult.”

That particular statement infuriated Marquinhos, who was part of the title-winning side with Brazil.

When the PSG star was queried about Messi’s statement, the defender decided to hit back at the Argentine. He, rightfully, accused by pointing out the old favourable decisions which have gone in Messi’s way.

Marquinhos said: “It is frustrating to hear a player of Messi’s quality, a crack who is admired by all, say things like this. Officials also conceded many things in his favor with Barcelona & the national team but wasn’t talking about corruption then.”

Brazil lifted their first Copa America for the first time since 2007 by beating Peru 3-1.

Here’s how Twitter has reacted..

What’s next?

Lionel Messi and Co will play the Copa America in front of the home crowd in 2020 again.