Messi accuses referee of Brazil bias in Copa America elimination

Lionel Messi was irate with the refereeing as Argentina were knocked out of the Copa America by Brazil, accusing the officials of favouring the hosts. 

Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino sent Brazil into Sunday's final in Rio de Janeiro, where they will meet either Chile or Peru. 

However, Argentina felt they were treated unfairly in Tuesday's semifinal, with Messi bemused why penalty appeals for challenges on Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi were not sent to VAR. 

"[Brazil] were not better than us," the Barcelona forward told reporters. "They found the net early and the second goal came from a penalty [for Argentina] they didn’t award.

"The officiating was crazy. There were clear penalties, on Nicolas, on Sergio.

"He [the referee] was on their side. In every divided ball or dispute, he leaned their way. It’s not an excuse, but the truth is that, in this Copa, they kept on blowing for stupid things, for handballs, penalties. 

"But today, they didn’t even go to VAR when there were clear plays that should have been looked at."

Messi had accosted the referee at halftime, too, furious that he hadn't given him more protection against repeated fouling from the Brazilians. 

However, despite the loss, he was proud of how Argentina played as they exited the competition. 

He added: "It was the best match we have played in the Copa, against a Brazil team that has spectacular players across the pitch. 

"These guys made a huge sacrifice. They deserve respect. Argentina has the material to keep growing."