Former referee Carlos Chandia revealed that he allowed Lionel Messi to play in the 2007 Copa America final against Brazil by sparing him a yellow card in exchange for Messi’s match-worn shirt.
Messi had committed a handball in Argentina’s semi-final match against Mexico, which would have earned him a yellow card and disqualified him from the final due to an accumulation of bookings.
However, Chandia decided not to penalize the football star, offering Messi a deal: his shirt in return for avoiding the card.
Chandia recounted the incident on ESPN FShow, explaining that Messi’s handball occurred in the middle of the field with no significant impact on the game, which Argentina led 3-0. He told Messi, “This is a yellow card, but it will cost you your jersey,” and refrained from booking him.
After the match, Messi honored the agreement and handed over his shirt in the dressing room.
Chandia mentioned that this decision likely cost him the chance to officiate the final, as complaints from the Brazilian side may have influenced the selection process. The referee passed the shirt to his son, though he humorously recalled the “not the best” smell of the jersey.
Despite Messi playing in the final, Argentina lost 3-0 to Brazil, with goals from Julio Baptista, an own-goal by Roberto Ayala, and a finish by Dani Alves.
Messi would go on to win his first Copa America in 2021, defeating Brazil 1-0 at the Maracanã, thanks to a goal by Angel Di Maria.
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