Messi calls Argentina football body 'disaster' after flight delay

New Jersey, June 24 (IANS) Argentina captain Lionel Messi blasted the country's football association, calling it a "disaster" after the national team's flight from Houston to New Jersey was delayed.

Argentina comfortably defeated the United States 4-0 in the Copa America semi-final on Tuesday, setting the stage for a rematch in the final with defending champions Chile at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

After the team's flight from Houston to New Jersey was grounded on Thursday, Messi took to Instagram to voice his disgust with the AFA.

"Once again waiting on a plane to leave for our destination. What a disaster the AFA are. My God!", Messi wrote.

After seeing the social media post, the AFA explained the situation, citing weather issues for the delayed departure.

"The Argentine Football Federation informs that the flight which is transporting the national team to New Jersey suffered a delayed departure due to weather issues," the football federation was quoted as saying by espn.in.

"Also, the AFA advises that all of the scheduled times of the transfers are designated by the organisers of the Copa America Centenario."

Barcelona superstar Messi has been in sublime form in the ongoing Copa America and he also became Argentina's all-time record goal scorer (55 goals) after netting a sublime free kick against the US. Messi surpassed Gabriel Batistuta's record of 54 goals to script history.

Messi is also aiming at bagging his first major trophy for his national side after failing in 2014 World Cup final against Germany followed by 2015 Copa America final against Chile.

Argentina are yet to capture a major title after their Copa America triumph in 1993.

-IANS

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