2 weeks Ago By Fiza Narwal
Lionel Messi narrowly avoided a suspension in the 2007 Copa America final as referee Carlos Chandia admitted letting him off in exchange for his match-worn jersey. New Delhi: Carlos Chandia has made a stunning revelation that has captured the attention of football fans worldwide. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has no shortage of admirers who believe he is the greatest footballer of all time and Chandia turned out to be one of them.
The former referee has opened up about the chance he offered Lionel Messi to play in the 2007 Copa America final in exchange for his match-worn shirt. Chandia recounted the critical moment when he purposely tuned a blind eye to Messi’s conduct during the match. Argentina was leading and even emerged victorious in the semi-final with a convincing 3-0 scoreline, featuring goals from Gabriel Heinze, Leo Messi, and Juan Roman Riquelme.
Despite the comfortable lead tension filled the air when Messi committed a handball in the center of the pitch. At that moment, the accumulation of yellow cards meant that a caution would force him to miss the highly anticipated final. Realizing the implications, Chandia decided to take a different route.
In an interview on ESPN’s FShow, Chandia recounted the moment vividly. “Out of nowhere, Messi lifts a ball and touches it with his hand, but in the middle of the pitch. There was no goal-scoring chance for the Mexican team or anything like that,” he explained.
Instead of reaching for his pocket to show the yellow card, Chandia made an unexpected proposition. “I told him: ‘This is a yellow card, but it will cost you your jersey,’ and I didn’t show him the yellow card.” This unconventional move allowed Messi to continue playing without the risk of suspension enabling him to take part in the final match.
Former referee Carlos Chandia recently opened up about the 2007 Copa American semifinal between Mexico and Argentina. 😮 What are your opinions on this anecdote? Comment below! 👇 📸 Getty Images #football #footballnews #messi #argentina pic.twitter.
com/h1AzMAsNGx — Football9 (@Football9live_) September 19, 2024 While this decision spared Messi from missing the final, it also had repercussions for Chandia. He admitted back in 2020 that his choice not to penalize the Argentine star drew the ire of Brazilian officials, which he suspects is why he was not appointed as the main referee for the Copa America final. Chandia reminisces Copa encounter Following the semi-final 12-word mid-match agreement, Messi gifted Chandia his match-worn jersey.
“He gave me the shirt in the dressing room afterwards,” Chandia recalled. “In fact, he wanted to take it off on the pitch, and I told him ‘No, no, no, take it to the dressing room.’” This gesture speaks volumes about the respect and camaraderie that can exist even amidst the competitive intensity of international football.
Now years later, Chandia’s son possesses the cherished jersey as a tangible reminder of an unforgettable moment in football history. “I don’t remember the number, but I remember the smell. Not the best,” he joked, emphasizing the unusual but memorable connection he forged with Messi during that pivotal match.
Though the Argentine side missed winning the 2007 Copa America final. Brazil’s Julio Baptista opened the scoreline in just four minutes into the match. Later on, Roberto Ayala’s own goal at the 40-minute mark doubled the Brazil’s lead when he was trying to block a cross but instead sent the ball past his own goalkeeper.
Dani Alves sealed the victory for Brazil when he scored in the 69th minute making it 3-0. Lionel Messi had to wait until 2021 to win his first Copa America with Argentina, finally getting his revenge over Brazil with a 1-0 victory at the Estadio do Maracana. Angel Di Maria was the star of the match, scoring the only goal in the 22nd minute.
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