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Brazil's President Bolsonaro calls Messi’s criticism of Copa America a 'show'

15 July 2019 11:22 (UTC +04:00)

The five-time winner of the Golden Ball noted that Copa America had been planned so that the Brazilians would win the tournament, APA reports citing Sputnik.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has publicly responded to criticism of the Copa America by Lionel Messi, captain of Argentina's football team.

"What did Messi say? Ahhh, yes, that's a show for the football players", Bolsonaro said as quoted by the news outlet Marca.

After the tournament's semi-final against Brazil, in which Argentina lost 2-0, Messi criticised the referee for not making use of the replay system, VAR.

According to Globo Esporte, the VAR communication problems were connected to a visit by Brazil's president. Jair Bolsonaro arrived at the stadium to watch the game and his security’s radio frequencies coincided with the VAR team, used by the referees.

The football superstar also accused CONMEBOL of corruption, for which Messi may be given a two-year ban on playing with the national team.