Referee SHOCKINGLY confesses to agreement with Lionel Messi to not book him in exchange for jersey
Former Chilean referee Carlos Chandia revealed that he did not book Lionel Messi in a 2007 Copa America match, in exchange for his shirt.
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A Chilean referee revealed that he did not book Lionel Messi in the 2007 Copa America, in exchange for his jersey (via The Mirror)
Former referee Carlos Chandia made a shocking revelation by admitting that he had a secret agreement with Argentinean star Lionel Messi, during the 2007 Copa America. The referee confessed to having spared the forward a yellow card, in exchange for his shirt.
An incident that occurred during a semi-final match between Argentina and Mexico in the 2007 Copa America, is back in the headlines. Lionel Messi scored a goal for Argentina, as they sealed a 3-0 win. A 20-year-old Messi had already been booked in the 51st minute and came very close to a second yellow card when he touched the ball with his hand in the dying minutes of the match. This could have seen the ex-Barcelona forward getting suspended for the final against Brazil, which they eventually lost 3-0.
However, in a major admission, semi-final match referee Carlos Chandia stated that he spared Messi from a red card in exchange for his match jersey. The Chilean referee revealed that he had informed the Argentine about the repercussions of his action, and the requirement to spare him. Chandia stated that the forward agreed to it and later gave him his shirt in the dressing room after the match. He also added that the forward was eager to take it off on the pitch itself.
Out of nowhere, [Lionel] Messi lifts a ball and touches it with his hand... So, I told him, this is a yellow card, but it will cost you your jersey, and I didn’t show him the yellow card.Referee Carlos Chandia on an interview (via The Mirror)
?️"I told him: 'This is a yellow card, but it will cost you your jersey,' and I didn’t show him the yellow card." pic.twitter.com/qctARI1KsT
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) September 19, 2024
Moreover, he also recalled the smell of Messi’s 2007 jersey and stated that his son possesses it now. Meanwhile, Carlos Chandia expressed that his decision to not penalize Messi might have cost him his position in the final, which was officiated by Paraguayan referee Carlo Amarilla.
Lionel Messi on course to win MLS Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami, in just his second season with club
Inter Miami skipper and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is on his way to winning his second major trophy with the club, as they look set to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield. The 37-year-old star, meanwhile, returned after a two-month-long injury absence.
With just five matches left to play in the MLS regular season, the Herons look all set to top the Eastern Conference group, alongside winning the Supporters’ Shield awarded to the team which secures the most points. Miami are currently on top of the table with 63 points, eight ahead of Western Conference table-toppers, Los Angeles Galaxy.
Following this, the top-placed team in each group would proceed to the MLS playoffs. Moreover, it would be Lionel Messi’s second major trophy in the US, after last winning the League Cup in 2023.
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Siddhartha Roy
(716 Articles Published)