Argentina Captain and Five time Ballon D’or winner, Lionel Messi has said he refused going up the podium for his bronze medal following his team’s win over Chile in the 2019 Copa America because he doesn’t want to be part of corruption.
Argentina won the hot-tempered battle for a third-place finish in the South American tournament courtesy of goals from Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Juventus star Paulo Dybala.
However the Argentine skipper was who provided an assist for the first goal was giving his marching orders for the second time in his illustratrous career in the first half after a clash with Chile’s defender, Gary Medel.
Speaking on why he refused to join his teammates at the podium to collect their third-place medals, he said “I didn’t go to the podium because we shouldn’t be part of the corruption and lack of respect.
” We were meant for more but they didn’t let us be in the final. The corruption and the refs didn’t allow the people to enjoy and football is ruined.”
He added “The corruption and the referees didn’t allow us to be in the final. You have to say the truth.”
