Gabriel Jesus Slams Lionel Messi Over Corruption Comments on Copa America 2019

It was during the Copa America 2019 match between Argentina and Chile that Lionel Messi was given a red card for the second time in his career and was set off the field after his altercation with Gary Medel. The match was for the third place and this left Messi fuming with immense rage. So much that after the match he even refused to collect the medal and even went on to put charges of corruption on South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). This surely did not go down well with Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus who slammed the Barcelona star for his comments during an interview with a sports website. Lionel Messi Refuses to Collect Medal After Given a Red Card During Argentina vs Chile, Copa America 2019 Match. 

He said that Messi comments were quite upsetting and devalued the hard work of the team. He also Jesus also did not rule out the possibility of him being in a rage after the red card which could have resulted into such a statement. “It was unfortunate, but it must have been hot-headed because he is not someone we see in controversy. Now that he is more cold headed, I hope he will reflect and realise that the things he complained were nothing,” the 22-year-old striker said.

Back then Messi lashed out at Copa America and said that the Cup was fixed for Brazil and Argentina has been subjected to disrespect throughout the tournament.  Messi's Argentina was sent out of the tournament after they lost to Brazil 2-0. However, after their 2-1 victory against Chile, the team stood third on the table and got a bronze medal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2019 08:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).