Lionel Messi: 'I'm sorry Neymar is suspended for Copa America'

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has claimed that Neymar will be missed at the Copa America after the Brazil forward was banned for the rest of the tournament.

The 23-year-old, who plays alongside Messi at Barcelona, was sent off and given a four-match suspension after clashing with Colombia players following Brazil's 1-0 defeat in the group stage.

Messi is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I'm sorry [Neymar] is no longer in this Copa America. He is a friend and I care about him.

"I'm sorry about the suspension he was given because I believe he is a very important player for Brazil."

The Brazilian Football Confederation is considering an appeal against the ban.