Another side of Messi appears at Copa

(AP):

Argentina saw a different Lionel Messi at the Copa America. Gone was the shy player who rarely showed any emotion on or off the field. In was an outspoken leader who got mad at referees and made corruption accusations against South American football officials.

Messi still couldn't end his title drought with the national team, but he displayed a new side of himself during the South American tournament.

Messi wasn't the introverted player who often stayed away from the spotlight with Barcelona and the national team. Instead, he took on a leadership role and made sure his voice was heard.

His outburst after Argentina's win over Chile in Saturday's third-place game caught most by surprise.

"We shouldn't take part in this corruption," Messi said after being sent off in the first half of his team's 2-1 win in Sao Paulo.

"There was lack of respect toward us during this Copa America," he said. "We could have done better, but they didn't let us make it to the final. Corruption and the referees are not letting the fans enjoy football. This is ruining football."

Messi was red-carded for getting into a shoving match with a Chilean player, also something unusual for the Argentina captain. His only other straight red with the national team was in his international debut in 2005.