Referee Admits to Favoring Argentina in Copa America Match to Get Messi’s Jersey.

 

A former referee has revealed that he asked for Lionel Messi's Argentina jersey during a Copa America match. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner guided Argentina to another Copa America victory, further adding to his impressive collection of trophies. Regarded by many as the greatest footballer of all time, Messi is now the most decorated player in football history.

Argentina successfully retained their Copa America title by defeating Colombia in the final on July 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Lionel Messi guided La Albiceleste to victory, securing his fourth international trophy.

It was Messi's 45th career trophy, extending his lead as the most decorated footballer, per Goal.The 17-year-old previously achieved the record when he won his 44th trophy—the 2023 League Cup with Miami 

A referee has confessed to favoring Messi's Argentina during a Copa America match

Two months after Lionel Messi celebrated his second Copa America triumph with Argentina, former FIFA referee Carlos Chandia admitted that he had favored Messi’s Argentina during the 2007 Copa America semifinals in exchange for his jersey. At that tournament, Messi, alongside stars like Carlos Tevez and Juan Román Riquelme, led Argentina on a dominant run, scoring 16 goals and conceding only 3 as they reached the semifinals against Mexico. Chilean referee Chandia officiated the match and later confessed to giving Argentina the benefit of the doubt during a controversial play involving Messi, where he handled the ball at midfield. Chandia revealed this during an interview with ESPN FShow in Chile, stating, "There was no real threat or scoring chance for Mexico, so I let it go."

The Chilean referee later explained his controversial decision by saying, "Issuing a yellow card to Messi would have meant he couldn’t play in the Copa América final. Ironically, that choice ended up costing me the chance to officiate the 2007 Copa América final in Venezuela.

Messi honored the referee's request by leaving the jersey in the dressing room after the match. Messi had offered to give it to him on the field, but the referee preferred he take it to the dressing room. Messi followed through and left the jersey there for him. As a result, Messi was cleared to play in the final against Brazil.

What are your thoughts on the ethical implications of a referee favoring a team in exchange for a personal benefit, like a player’s jersey? Do you think such actions undermine the integrity of the game?