Learn what Lionel Messi’s most controversial moment was of all time as he is considered the best soccer player ever.
Lionel Messi, the Argentine footballing maestro, has had a glittering career filled with countless achievements and accolades. However, even the greatest players are not immune to controversy. His most infamous moment happened in the 2021 Copa América final against Brazil.
The Copa América final was a highly anticipated match between two of the strongest teams in South America. The game was pressure filled with both teams vying for glory. In the 69th minute, with the score tied at 1-1, Messi became involved in a heated altercation with Brazilian defender Lucas Paquetá.
After a clash of heads, Messi appeared to push Paquetá in the chest. The Brazilian went down theatrically, and the referee, Chilean referee Piero Maza, was quick to react. He gave Brazil a free and showed Messi the red card.
Messi was visibly shocked and disappointed by the decision. He tied to fight his case and gave out yards. However, the referee’s decision was final, and Messi was forced to leave the field.
The red card was a major blow to Argentina’s hopes of winning the Copa América. Messi was the team’s captain and talisman, and his absence was felt immediately. Despite playing with ten men, Argentina managed to hold on for extra time and eventually won the match on penalties.
Messi’s red card sparked a heated debate. Some argued that the referee had made the correct decision, while others claimed that the punishment was too harsh. Many felt that Messi had been unfairly targeted by the referee, and that the red card had been influenced by the fact that he was playing against Brazil.
Regardless of the controversy surrounding the incident outside of his Barcelona or club career, Messi’s red card remains one of the most memorable moments of his career. It was a rare blemish on an otherwise spotless record, and it served as a reminder that even the greatest players can make mistakes.
