“They said the same in Qatar” - Lionel Scaloni rubbishes claims that referees have favored Argentina at Copa America 2024

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has reacted to claims suggesting that refereeing decisions have favored his team at Copa America 2024. Most recently, fans burst out after a penalty wasn't awarded to Brazil in their 1-1 draw with Colombia on Tuesday, June 2.

Some believe that the overall refereeing in the tournament has been biased to help Lionel Messi claim the continental trophy for the second successive time.

Rubbishing the suggestions, Scaloni stated similar allegations were made during Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar.

"Today, anyone can write whatever they want on social media. I would be cautious because they said the same in Qatar. When you win, people tend to say they favor the winning side, because they have no other choice than to complain. I am the coach of the national team and I don't believe that. We are only focused on ourselves and doing our job, anyone can say anything," he said in a presser (via @AlbicelesteTalk).

"A referee can make a mistake, it happens, they are human. There are plays that they review with VAR and they are very close calls. I don't think they favor us, human error still exists. I completely dismiss this idea," he added.

Argentina have made it out of their group and will face Ecuador in the quarter-finals on Thursday, July 4.

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Lionel Scaloni speaks ahead of Argentina's Copa America quarter-final clash against Ecuador

Lionel Scaloni

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni believes it will be tricky to get past Ecuador when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals of Copa America 2024. La Albiceleste finished top of their group with three wins from three.

Meanwhile, Ecuador settled for a second-place finish and were five points behind Group B toppers Venezuela. However, Scaloni claims Argentina's upcoming opponents could be a dangerous prospect.

"We are aware that Ecuador is a team that has grown a lot in recent times. They have great players, it is going to be a very complicated game," he said in the pre-match press conference (via Mundo Albiceleste).

"I don't believe in statistics. Ecuador is a very well-worked team, it has very good players and a good coach," Scaloni added.

The stats, however, lie heavily in favor of Argentina ahead of the quarter-final clash. The two sides have met on 16 occasions in Copa America history, with the world champions winning 11 and losing none.