Chilavert: Messi has to beat Brazil and Conmebol

Posted Friday, July 09, 2021 by Marca.com

Paraguay legend Jose Luis Chilavert hit out at Conmebol and warned Argentina that the referee of the Copa America final Esteban Ostojich could favour Brazil.

Chilavert expressed his opinion on Ostojich and hinted that Lionel Messi will have to overcome both the Selecao and Conmebol in the final that will take place at 02:00 CEST on Sunday at the Maracana.

"Messi's team and his teammates have to be prepared to defeat the Brazilian team, Neymar, VAR and the referee," Chilavert told Radio Continental.

"Corrupbol [Conmebol] is terrible. They selected Ostojich [to referee the final] after what he did in the Paraguay vs Peru match. He was terrible. He unjustly sent off [Paraguay captain Gustavo] Gomez. Later, [he sent off] the Peruvian player [Andre Carrillo too].

"I would love for Messi to get free three or four times and score three or four goals. When in doubt, they will favour the host. The genius of Messi and his teammates have to play at 1000 percent."

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was at the receiving end of criticism for provoking Colombia's players in the semi-final's penalty shootout, but Chilavert backed the Aston Villa shot-stopper.

"[Martinez] is a fantastic goalkeeper," added Chilavert. "He meets all the conditions.

"There is a reason why he is playing in a competitive league like the English one [Premier League].

"I love that some characters are struck by what he has done before the penalties. That shows that, first, to be in goal you have to fulfil the roles: have the personality, be strong psychologically and have the technical ability."