A former referee has confessed asking for Lionel Messi's Argentina jersey during a Copa America match. Two months after Lionel Messi lifted his second Copa America trophy with Argentina, former FIFA referee Carlos Chandia admitted favoring the Inter Miami icon in the 2007 Copa America semifinals in exchange of his jersey.

It was sweet revenge for Colombia, who were beaten 1-0 by Argentina in a bitterly disappointing Copa America final in Miami in July.

Two months after Argentina won the Copa America, a former FIFA referee has confessed to favouring Lionel Messi during the 2007 edition in exchange for his jersey.

Colombia have continued a magnificent run by defeating Argentina in FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying. They move into second place in the table and look like the real deal.

Former referee Carlos Chandia has shockingly admitted that he spared Lionel Messi from a yellow card after making an agreement that he could have his match-worn shirt.

It has been revealed that Lionel Messi once struck a mid-game shirt deal with a Copa America referee that allowed him to avoid a ban for the final.

Colombia are out for revenge as they take on Argentina in the blazing heat of Barranquilla. This is round eight of South American World Cup qualifying.

FORMER referee Carlos Chandia has admitted to purposefully avoiding booking Lionel Messi in return for the superstar’s match-worn shirt. Chilean referee Chandia was in charge of the 2007