Referee Admits he Didn’t Book Lionel Messi in Exchange for his Shirt

Argentina's LionelĀ MessiĀ and teammates leave the pitch during Brazil vs Argentina

In a surprising revelation, former FIFA referee Carlos Chandia has admitted to favouringĀ Lionel MessiĀ during the 2007Ā Copa AmericaĀ semi-final in exchange for the Argentine star’s match-worn jersey. Chandia revealed that he chose not to issue Messi a yellow card for a handball in midfield, which would have suspended him from the final against Brazil. Instead, Messi was allowed to play in the tournament’s finale in Venezuela, but at the cost of his shirt.