Tite criticises Lionel Messi over Copa America 'corruption' claims

Brazil coach Tite has urged Lionel Messi to "accept when he loses" and show greater respect to referees after the Argentina striker boycotted the Copa America medal ceremony.

Messi received his first red card in 14 years as Argentina beat Chile 2-1 in a tempestuous third-placed game on Saturday following a clash with Chile's Gary Medel, who was also dismissed.

The Barcelona talisman, who has never been sent off for his club, had only previously seen red on his international debut in 2005, when he received his marching orders after appearing for just 40 seconds against Hungary.

Spanish media outlet AS quoted Messi as saying: "We don't need to be part of the corruption we've suffered at this tournament."

Tite, whose side beat Argentina 2-0 in the semi-finals, told reporters he believed Messi should have been "more careful with his words".

Despite praising Messi and adding that he felt his red card for the altercation with Medel was unwarranted, Tite added: "He has to have more respect and needs to accept when he loses."

Messi's only goal at this year's Copa America came against Paraguay, while Brazil won the tournament with a 3-1 win over Peru at the Maracana.