Brazil coach Tite criticises Lionel Messi over Copa America refereeing row

Messi boycotted the medal ceremony after Argentina beat Chile in the third-place game on Saturday

Monday 08 July 2019 01:31 EDT
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Copa America: Brazil 2019

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Brazil coach Tite has criticized Lionel Messi for his complaints against the Copa America refereeing.

Brazil beat Messi’s Argentina lineup in the semifinals and clinched the title Sunday with a 3-1 win over Peru.

“He has to have more respect and needs to accept when he loses,” said Tite, who had praised the Argentine playmaker ahead of the semi-finals.

Messi boycotted the medal ceremony after Argentina beat Chile in the third-place game on Saturday. He said he was protesting against the refereeing and “corruption” in the Copa America.

Messi and a Chilean rival were red carded after their physical confrontation in the first half. He said Argentina was not treated fairly and hinted that Brazil was benefitting as a result.

Tite said he didn’t think Messi should have been sent off against Chile, and that a yellow card would have been enough. Still, he said Messi should have been “more careful” with his words.

AP

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