Messi left out of Copa America 2019 Best XI

Argentina and FC Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has not been included in the recently concluded Copa America tournament, courtesy of poor performance on field, along with controversial comments.

Copa America’s Best XI includes five players from the tournament champions Brazil. Runner up Peru have two players in the eleven, along with Colombia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay having one entry each.

Brazil’s Alisson Becker, who emerged as one of the best players in the tournament with five clean sheets, has secured his place for goalkeeper in the Best XI.

Thiago Silva (Brazil), José María Giménez (Uruguay), Miguel Trauco (Peru) and Dani Alves (Brazil) make up the defense, Arturo Vidal (Chile), Leandro Paredes (Argentina) and Arthur (Brazil) line up in the midfield with the front attacking trio consists of Everton Soares (Brazil), Paolo Guerrero (Peru) and James Rodríguez (Colombia).

Meanwhile, because of substandard performance and facing backlash due to controversial comments on the campaign, the 32-year old Argentine skipper has been left out of the Best XI.

Following the match against Chile and the disputable red card incident, Messi accused the CONMEBOL officials, feeling his team was denied two penalties. After the final, the player also castigated the South American Football Federation, accusing the organisation of being corrupted, along with reprimanding the refereeing standards, relating to their semifinal loss against Brazil.

Brazil’s coach Tite accused Messi’s disrespectful and lackluster behaviour.

“The one that I considered an extraordinary player [Messi], extraterrestrial, put it that way, he has to have a little more respect and to understand and accept when he is beaten.” he spoke to Globo Esport.