When Messi Accused Brazil of Corruption at Copa America 2019

In 2019, it was Lionel Messi himself who voiced the accusations that the Egyptians are now leveling against his team. After Argentina’s elimination in the Copa America semi-finals by Brazil (0-2), followed by a controversial red card in the third-place match against Chile (2-1), the world football star spoke candidly in the mixed zone.

“There is no doubt, everything is arranged for Brazil to win,” he told journalists. He also denounced “two unpunished penalties” against Brazil and added: “I don’t want to be part of this corruption, we should not have suffered such disrespect in this Copa America. We could have gone further but we were prevented from reaching the final.” Conmebol immediately condemned these statements. Messi risked a two-year suspension; his apologies resulted in the sanction being reduced to a single match.

This historical reminder takes on full significance following statements by Egyptian striker Mohamed Ziko and coach Hossam Hassan, who denounced a “rigged” match and biased refereeing following Egypt’s elimination against Argentina in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. An Egyptian goal was notably disallowed for a foul deemed minimal at the start of the play.

Since Argentina’s triumph in Qatar in 2022, recurring suspicion has surrounded Albiceleste matches. It is notably fueled by the number of penalties obtained: eight in twelve matches since 2022, a record. Each refereeing decision favorable to the South Americans reignites the debate.

The irony of the situation escapes no one: Messi, who was then denouncing a system biased against his team, now finds himself on the side of the accused. Since 2019, Argentina has won the next two editions of Copa America (2021 and 2024) as well as the 2022 World Cup.