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The South American referee admitted he overlooked a potentially serious offence by Messi during a crucial semi-final
Retired Chilean referee Carlos Chandia recently revealed a controversial decision he made during a Copa America semi-final between Argentina and Mexico,
The ex-official admitted that he chose not to book Lionel Messi in exchange for the Argentine legend’s match-worn shirt in a moment that could have had significant consequences for Argentina's tournament run.
Referee forgives Messi yellow card
In a recent interview, Chandia disclosed that during the 2007 Copa America semi-final, with Argentina leading Mexico 3-0, he faced a decision that could have ruled Messi out of the Copa America final.
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Messi, one booking away from suspension, had handled the ball in a non-threatening position, a clear yellow card offence.
However, Chandia saw an opportunity to secure a prized piece of memorabilia instead of enforcing the rules strictly.
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Chandia recounted the encounter with Messi, saying, "I told him[Messi]: 'This is a yellow card, but it will cost you your jersey,' and I didn't show him the yellow card."
According to Chandia, Messi accepted the deal, and the referee later received the superstar's shirt in the dressing room after the match.
Consequences of Chandia’s non-yellow card
Chandia added that Messi initially offered to take off the shirt on the pitch, but the referee instructed him to hand it over privately in the dressing room.
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While the decision may have seemed inconsequential at the time, Chandia's admission has sparked controversy in retrospect.
The referee revealed that his leniency likely cost him the opportunity to officiate the final, adding, "Because I didn't give him the yellow card, Brazilians ended up saying something, and that's why I wasn't the main referee of the Copa America final."
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Despite the leniency, Argentina was ultimately defeated 3-0 by Brazil in the final even though Messi played, leaving La Albiceleste and their star man without the coveted trophy.
Chandia has since passed Messi's match-worn shirt to his son, acknowledging the personal significance of the item, while his controversial decision remains a talking point in football circles.
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