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Lionel Messi: Brazil coach Tite explains what sparked row with Argentina superstar

The Barcelona star scored the decisive goal in the victory in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Jack Rathborn
Saturday 16 November 2019 10:55 GMT
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Messi made a gesture towards Tite after scoring
Messi made a gesture towards Tite after scoring

Brazil coach Tite claims Lionel Messi told him to shut up in a row during Argentina’s 1-0 victory over the Copa America champions.

The Barcelona superstar struck the only goal of the game in Saudi Arabia, but tension spilled over when Messi made a gesture towards the Selecao boss.

Messi put his fingers to his lips and then made a hand sign hinting that Tite had too much to say during the game on the touchline.

And Tite has now admitted his frustrations with the referee led to the two exchanging words.

“I complained because he [Messi] should have been shown a yellow card,” Tite said.

“He told me to shut my mouth and I told him to shut his mouth. And that was it.”

While Messi highlighted the Albiceleste’s willingness to run as key to their victory.

Messi lifts the trophy awarded to Argentina after victory against Brazil

“From the very start we tried to play. We had a couple of misses and they had their chances,” Messi said. “But in the second half we were much better.

“When you win, it puts you more at ease and that is very positive for what lies ahead. I ended the match well, we all ran quite a bit. And that is what we were there to do.”

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