Brazil coach Tite wants Messi to show some respect

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil coach Tite told Lionel Messi to show some respect following claims from the Argentina captain that the Copa America had been "fixed" so the host would win.

Brazil clinched the Copa by defeating Peru 3-1 at Maracana Stadium on Sunday, but Tite said his side had been victimized by some refereeing decisions because Messi's words had weighed on the officials.

"He has to show some respect, he must understand and accept when he's defeated," said Tite, whose side beat Argentina 2-0 in a controversial semifinal.

"We've been affected in many matches, even in the World Cup, so be very careful.

"He put a lot of pressure on because of how great a player he is.

"Everyone has their own problems and you have to be respectful."

Messi had slammed South American soccer's governing body CONMEBOL, accusing it of "corruption "after he was sent off in Saturday's third place playoff in which Argentina beat Chile 2-1.

He had also claimed after Argentina's semifinal loss that the tournament host was "managing a lot in CONMEBOL these days".

Argentina was angered that VAR wasn't used on two occasions to check the validity of its claims for penalties not seen by the referee.

Messi was then harshly sent off against Chile following a tangle with Gary Medel in which he seemed to do little, if anything, wrong.

The Barcelona star claimed afterwards he had paid for his previous criticisms.

"My words had repercussions, but you must always be sincere," he said.

Tite had his own gripe with the officiating, claiming that Peru's penalty in the final - converted by captain Paolo Guerrero - should never have been given.

"Today it wasn't a penalty. You have to be careful and show respect, as we respect others," said Tite.

Peru's Argentine coach Ricardo Gareca agreed with Tite's views on Messi.

"Messi is a voice of authority but that doesn't mean I agree with what he said," Gareca said.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro refused to be drawn on the controversy. "They can say what they want, we only talk about Brazil," said the Real Madrid player.

As Brazil players celebrated and posed for photos with the trophy, they were joined by the country's far right president, Jair Bolsonaro, a deeply divisive figure who has been accused of making racist, sexist and homophobic comments.

As he huddled with the players, some of them chanted "Legend!", as his supporters do.

His reception from the crowd was more mixed, with jeers audible above many cheering fans.

Asked about the message conveyed by his team celebrating with Bolsonaro, Tite sidestepped it.

"I'm so involved with football, I know things happen, but the way I've been brought up is that my focus is my essence," he said.

Gabriel Jesus set up one goal, scored another and was sent off in the second half.

The host took the lead after 15 minutes thanks to some brilliant skill from Jesus on the wing. The Manchester City forward bamboozled two defenders and crossed for the unmarked Everton to fire home from close range.

"In the last game I was quiet and I was very disappointed with myself," said man of the match Everton.

"I got it in my head that I had to give everything, independent of scoring. I had to sweat blood for my teammates. Our team deserves congratulations for a great game."

Peru pushed forward in the second half and was thrown a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining when Jesus was sent off.

He had been felled by Carlos Zambrano a few minutes earlier and when Jesus dealt out his revenge he was immediately shown a second yellow to follow a first-half caution for a bad tackle.

"I want to apologize," said Jesus. "I could have avoided it and I also need to grow up a lot."

But Brazil, playing in front of 70,000 rabid fans in Rio de Janeiro, had the final say when substitute Richarlison, of English side Everton, made it 3-1 with a penalty in the final minute.

It was Brazil's first major title since it won the Copa America in 2007 and the first for coach Tite, who took charge three years ago.

AFP - Reuters