Messi blames referee for Argentina’s exit

Lionel Messi accused the referee of bias after Argentina crashed out of the Copa America with a 2 – 0 semi – final loss to Brazil .
The Argentina captain felt a number of decisions went against his side in Belo Horizonte as goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino in each half put Brazil through to a final against Chile or Peru .
Messi was particularly aggrieved Argentina were not awarded a penalty by referee Roddy Zambrano immediately prior to Brazil ’ s second goal but that was only one of a number of complaints .

The 32 – year – old told reporters : “ They were not better than us . They found the net early and the second goal came from a penalty they didn ’ t award .

“ The officiating was crazy . There were clear penalties , on ( Nicolas ) Otamendi , on ‘ Kun ’ ( 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 . ”

Despite the result , Messi was proud of his team – mates and believes there is a bright future ahead for the national side .
The Barcelona star said : “ It was the best match we did in the Copa , against a Brazil that has spectacular players in all its lines.
“ These guys made a huge sacrifice. They deserve respect . Argentina has the material to keep growing . ”

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