Referee Admits Favoring Messi in 2007 Copa America

Former FIFA referee Carlos Chandia has admitted to not booking Lionel Messi during the 2007 Copa America semi-final in exchange for Messi's match-worn shirt. Messi handled the ball in midfield, which should have resulted in a yellow card, thus suspending him from the final against Brazil. Chandia, however, struck a deal with Messi, allowing him to play in the final. Although Argentina lost 3-0 to Brazil in the final, Messi won the Best Young Player of the tournament award. Chandia revealed that this decision cost him the chance to officiate the final, and the shirt is now with his son.