It has not been a good Copa America for Lionel Messi. While he has sprinkled some typically magical moments throughout, Argentina have been a bit of a disaster.
They may have reached the semi-finals, but they were very lucky to do so and were handily beaten by Brazil. The Barcelona man has been vocal in the press in a few different occasions, complaining about a number of things, such as the quality of pitches used un the tournament.
Considering how much of a disaster the last few weeks have been, Messi's involvement ended in the perfect way this evening.
Argentina were taking on Chile in the third place play-off, the game no footballer wants to take part in.
The Argentines had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, but Messi wouldn't make it to half time due to a very questionable refereeing decision.
The forward was chasing a ball that was heading over the end line, with Gary Medel shepherding it out of play. The former Cardiff City player was unhappy with Messi's attempt to get to the ball, and aggressively squared up to him.
Somehow, Messi gets sent off because of it.
Sending Medel off here is borderline, but how did Messi get a red card? He literally just stands there as the midfielder pokes at him like a bull. You'd have to question the referee.
To be fair, this is probably the most interesting thing that has ever happened in a third place playoff.
