Brazil coach Tite has criticized Lionel Messi for his complaints against the Copa America refereeing.
Brazil beat Messi’s Argentina lineup in the semifinals and clinched the title Sunday with a 3-1 win over Peru.
“He has to have more respect and needs to accept when he loses,” said Tite, who had praised the Argentine playmaker ahead of the semi-finals.
Messi boycotted the medal ceremony after Argentina beat Chile in the third-place game on Saturday. He said he was protesting against the refereeing and “corruption” in the Copa America.
Messi and a Chilean rival were red carded after their physical confrontation in the first half. He said Argentina was not treated fairly and hinted that Brazil was benefitting as a result.
Tite said he didn’t think Messi should have been sent off against Chile, and that a yellow card would have been enough. Still, he said Messi should have been “more careful” with his words.
AP
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