Firm and clear. Lionel Messi showed his anger again after being sent off in the third-place match against Chile and lashed out at Conmebol, accusing them of organizing this tournament for the host to win.
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"Brazil as champion? I think there is no doubt. Unfortunately, I think it is set up for Brazil. Hopefully, the referees and VAR have nothing to do with it and Peru can compete because they have a team to do it. But I see it difficult," said Lionel Messi in statements collected by the portal La Nación from Argentina.
Lionel Messi affirmed that the Copa America "is set up" for Brazil to be champion | VIDEO
Regarding his absence from the award ceremony for Argentina, who finished in third place in the Copa America, the 'Pulga' explained that it was in rejection of corruption.
"What I said had consequences. I didn't go to the podium because we should not be part of corruption and disrespect. We were capable of more, they didn't let us be in the final. Corruption and referees prevent people from enjoying and football is ruined," he said.