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Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero did not hesitate to hide their displeasure at the officiating of the Copa America semi-finals, which saw their side (Argentina) lose to Brazil 2-0. They could not understand why the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system which had been heavily used at the tournament, considerably impacting results, was not consulted in two penalty appeals that were waved away. Uruguay had three of its goals ruled out in their quarter-final exit to Peru due to VAR, numerous goals were disapproved after lengthy VAR review stoppages in the group stage, and penalties awarded even without foul appeals, but alas, VAR was a no-show during the Argentina - Brazil game on Tuesday. Messi, who is not known for lashing out made his discontentment known without reserve.  “They were not better than us. They found the net early and the second goal came from a penalty they didn’t award,” Messi said. “The officiating was crazy. There were clear penalties, on Nicolas Otamendi,...

Messi remains a danger to opponents as ever, especially to Nicaragua, ranked 129th in the world in footballing terms. He opened scoring in the 38th minute. In the construct to Messi's first goal - a solo goal, he brilliantly danced past three defenders before clinically finishing past goalkeeper Lorente. His second goal, came in less than a minute later from a Sergio Aguero rebound. Messi has now scored 67 goals for Argentina. Messi and Aguero were then replaced at half-time by Paulo Dybala and Martinez.   Inter’s Martinez added to Argentina's lead by curling a shot into the bottom corner of the net with 27 minutes remaining, then fired home a fourth from close range 10 minutes later. Argentina's third substitute, Roberto Pereyra tapped in the simplest of goals in the final nine minutes to make it 5-0. Nicaragua were able to score a consolation goal through penalty, in stoppage time after a Nicolas Otamendi handball. Messi has played and lost three Copa finals - ...

Manchester City star Sergio Aguero says he is desperate to help his countryman and friend, Barcelona ace Lionel Messi claim his first senior international honor with Argentina this summer. Argentina are preparing for the Copa America which will hold in Brazil from June 14 to July 17, 2019.  Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has won practically every trophy available with Barcelona,  including ten La Liga titles, six Copa del Reys, four Champions League trophies and three Club World Cup crowns, but has been unable to replicate that success on the international stage. Messi has won the U20 World Cup with Argentina in 2005, won the 2008 Olympics too, but is yet to lift a trophy with the first team. He has come close on several occasions though, such as during the 2014 World Cup final vs Germany. Messi has scored 65 goals for Argentina in 129 appearances. Sergio Aguero told Fox Sports Argentina: “I'm more anxious to be a champion for Messi than fo...