Lionel Messi: What Argentina Captain Told Referee During Copa America Win Over Chile

• Defending champions Argentina are through to the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America quarter-final after beating Chile 1-0
• Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal in the 87th minute at the MetLife Stadium, where Chile beat Argentina in the 2016 final
• Captain Lionel Messi got into a heated words exchange with the match official Andres Matonte during the half-time break

Lionel Messi exchanged words with the centre referee, Andres Matonte, during Argentina’s 2024 Copa America second Group A game against Chile.

Even though they downplayed it, the defending champions went into the match with revenge on their mind for losing the 2016 Copa America centenary edition to Chile at the MetLife Stadium.

Argentina dominated most of the game but could not find a breakthrough until the 87th minute. Veteran goalkeeper and official man-of-the-match Claudio Bravo made impressive saves.

Messi is ready: Inter Miami star shows off insane biceps ahead of the 2024 Copa America

Football

The victory means La Albiceleste, who have a maximum of six points, are through to the quarter-final, as they take another step towards defending their title.

What Messi told the referee during the Copa America game

As spotted by ESPN, Argentina captain, Messi, was seen arguing with the referee Andres Matonte after the half-time whistle, and the exchange got a bit tense.

The 37-year-old had earlier challenged the referee but did not cover his mouth, allowing TyC Sports to pick his words, which were furious towards the official for overlooking some nasty fouls on him and his teammates.

"Referee! What's this? Won't you count anything? What will make you get the card out? Yellow card?” he said.

The match had 21 fouls, 12 of which came from the Chileans, but Matonte only awarded two yellow cards to Gabriel Suazo and Mauricio Isla.

Euro 2024: Fans cheekily ask referee for his shirt during France vs Austria

Football

Messi waves to fans through his hotel window

Sports Brief reported on Messi waving to fans at the hotel when they assembled to wish him a happy birthday and cheer the rest of the team ahead of the encounter against Chile.

His 37th birthday was in the middle of the tournament. Argentina staff members presented him with cakes, which were shared with the fans outside the hotel in New Jersey.