“Another competition rigged for Messi” - Fans react to controversial decision against Brazil during 1-1 Copa America draw with Colombia

Fans have expressed their opinions on the referee's controversial decision against Brazil in their final group-stage match against Colombia in Copa America 2024. The clash ended in a 1-1 draw at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Tuesday, July 2.

The Selecao broke the deadlock through Raphinha in the 12th minute. Dorival Junior's squad could have doubled their lead but were denied a penalty in the 45th minute by the referee after consulting with the VAR. Colombia soon found their equalizer with defender Daniel Munoz's goal just minutes before the end of the first half (45+2 minutes).

Fans took to social media to share their take on the referee's decision to not award Brazil a penalty when Vinicius Junior was fouled inside the box towards the end of the first half. While some fans referred to the tournament being "rigged" for Lionel Messi-led Argentina, others slammed the overall refereeing in the Copa America 2024.

Here are some of the reactions on X:

One fan wrote:

"Another competition rigged for Messi"

Another added:

"Give it to Argentina already"

"refs are so poor in america," chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"US and brazil getting robbed in less than a day lol"

Another posted:

"Colombia were robbed off the disallowed goal as well"

One fan wrote:

"The referees at the Copa America are awful some very dodgy decisions absolutely shocking."

While another wrote:

"What's happening in Copa!"

Following the draw with Colombia, Brazil will play Uruguay in the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024 at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, on Saturday, July 6.

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Brazil forward Rodrygo on his clash with Lionel Messi in 2023

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo provided details of his clash with Lionel Messi at a World Cup qualifying match in 2023. The pair seemed to have exchanged harsh words in an intense game between Argentina and Brazil.

In an interview with Brazilian publication Placar, Rodrygo mentioned that as tensions rose throughout the match, they called each other names and trash-talked.

The 23-year-old forward said (via @AlbicelesteTalk on X):

"Everyone saw what happened there, what one said to the other. They wanted to leave the field, and we kind of went to confront them. At some point during the game, a fight was bound to happen, and we ended up insulting each other, started talking trash to each other."

Brazil have won the Copa America title nine times while Argentina have claimed it 15 times.