This archive report was first published on 16 November 2019.
On November 16, 2019, Brasil defender Thiago Silva made headlines after accusing Lionel Messi of consistently influencing referees during matches.
According to Silva, Messi had a tendency to manipulate decisions to favor himself, often in dangerous opposition territory.
During Argentina's 1-0 win over Brasil in Saudi Arabia, Messi was seen shushing Brasil manager Tite as he tried to argue for a yellow card.
Thiago Silva noted several instances in the match where Messi should have been booked but no action was taken.
"He always looks to force the referee to give them free-kicks in dangerous areas, he always acts in that way," Silva said as quoted by Sport.
"He kicked two people and the referee did nothing. I argued with the ref and he kept laughing. You have to put admiration to one side," Silva added.
