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Lionel Messi slammed for being 'disrespectful' by former team-mate Dani Alves

Football

By Mirror | Jul 10, 2019

**Brazil players line up to greet Lionel Messi after the Copa America semi-final [Courtesy]**

Lionel Messi and Dani Alves enjoyed a stunning stint together at Barcelona.

But their international allegiances have now caused Alves to slam his former team-mate for being "disrespectful" towards his country.

Messi accused the Copa America of being "set up for Brazil" and slammed organisers CONMEBOL for "corruption" as he reacted angrily to his red card in Argentina's third-place play-off against Chile.

Brazil went on to lift the trophy on home soil, beating Peru 3-1 in the final at the Maracana with Alves featuring in the starting line-up.

The experienced defender, who is set for a new challenge this summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, did not hold back in his criticism of Messi's comments.

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**Lionel Messi and Dani Alves enjoyed a stunning stint together at Barcelona [Courtesy]**

"A friend is not always right just because he's a friend. You can say it in the heat of the moment, but I will continue to disagree," Alves told Globo Esporte.

"In the first place, there is a lack of respect for an institution like the Brazilian national team, in my opinion.

"Secondly, it is being disrespectful with several professionals who put aside many things to be there, fighting for a dream.

"I am a friend who always tells the truth when it is due, and I think he was wrong to say these things."

Alves was echoing the sentiments of coach Tite and captain Thiago Silva, who both criticised Messi for his comments after winning the tournament.

"The one I treated as extraordinary, as extraterrestrial, needs to have more respect and accept when he is beaten," Tite said.

"We were harmed [by referees] in several games. We played fair against Argentina the whole time.

"I am being honest. He put huge pressure [on] because of his reputation."

Alves' PSG team-mate Silva stated: "This is difficult for us to comment on. Sometimes in defeat, we try to focus on other people.

"I think he did not say it out of spite, but we are sad because, in the game we lost 6-1 to Barcelona, he played the referee, which, in my opinion, was ridiculous.

"But we did not give a statement that the referee was in favour of Barcelona. I think you have to show respect.

"Brazil do not have five stars [from World Cup wins] at random - none of them have been stolen. It was played on the pitch."