Tension in the Arena Corinthians. In the match for third place between Argentina vs. Chile, at 37', Lionel Messi and Gary Medel were expelled after generating a brawl in the southern team's area.
Argentina vs. Chile: Messi and Medel expelled after terrible clash in Chilean area | VIDEO
Argentinian star Lionel Messi was expelled from the match for third place in the Copa America 2019 that is taking place in Sao Paulo after a clash with Chilean Gary Medel, who also received a red card.
With 10 minutes before halftime, with the score in favor of the Argentinians 2-0, goals scored by Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala, Messi and Medel fought for a ball that was going out of bounds.
The Chilean complained about a push from Messi and both players confronted each other, ending up head to head. According to television images, Medel tried to headbutt Messi twice, who stepped away to avoid being hit.
However, Paraguayan referee Mario Diaz de Vivar expelled both players, a decision that unleashed protests and a brawl between the members of both teams.
This is Messi's second expulsion in his career, both with Argentina. The first one was on his debut with the Albiceleste, in 2005 against Hungary, when shortly after coming into the field he threw an elbow to free himself from an opponent.
Source: AFP