Farai Dziva|Lionel Messi has described the COPA America 2019 as ‘corrupt’ after what he lamented as ‘unfair’ officiating at the South American showpiece.

Messi was sent off in the first half for clashing with Gary Medel in last night’s third and fourth  place play-off against Chile and the Barcelona star felt hard-done by the official’s decision to dismiss him.

“We don’t need to be part of the corruption that we’ve suffered at this tournament,” Messi said.

“Medel is always right at the limit. With a yellow that would have been the end of it for both of us, but well, maybe what I said recently had an impact,” he added.

Messi also heavily criticised the referee’s officiating during Argentina’s semi-final defeat to Brazil, describing it as “crazy”.