Lionel Messi should apologise for his harsh comments at the Copa América in order to avoid a sanction, an Argentine member of sport's highest court said on Monday, reports AP.
Following defeats in the last two finals, Messi had another frustrating end to the tournament when he was sent off in the third-place game between Argentina and Chile. He protested the refereeing and alleged "corruption," claiming Argentina had been treated unfairly.
Although a decision has not been announced, CONMEBOL could penalise Messi.
"I'd advise Messi to apologize because they're going to shake him with a sanction," Gustavo Abreu, an Argentine member of the Court of Arbitration for Sport told local Club Octubre radio. "He should apologise so they don't hit him with everything."
Abreu also suggested the Argentine Football Association contact Messi and ask him to say sorry.
Messi was red carded after getting into a first-half shoving match with Chile midfielder Gary Medel, who also was ejected. Argentina won 2-1 but Messi didn't show up for the medal ceremony to protest the refereeing. He had harsh words after the match, saying "we shouldn't take part in this corruption."
Messi had several objections.
