This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
On July 23, 2019, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) released a statement terming Lionel Messi's comments as 'unacceptable'.
Messi, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, had accused CONMEBOL of corruption after Argentina's defeat to Brazil in the semis of Copa America.
He was subsequently slapped with a KSh 150,000 fine and a one-match ban for his red card against Chile in the competition's third-place match.
"I did not want to be part of this corruption, we shouldn't have to be part of this disrespect we suffered during the Copa America," Messi was quoted saying.
"We could have gone further but we weren't allowed into the final. Corruption, referees and all the rest stopped people from enjoying the football," he added.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner's one-match ban is expected to be served in Argentina's first qualifier for the 2022 World Cup.
