Lionel Messi SENT OFF for confrontation during Argentina’s Copa America third-place play-off with Chile

Lionel Messi was sent off after clashing with Gary Medel in Argentina’s Copa America third-place play-off on Saturday night.

The incident marks just the second red card of the legendary attacker’s storied career, with the first coming in his international debut.

With Argentina 2-0 up on 37 minutes, Messi and Medel chased a ball off the pitch with the defensive midfielder seeing it out for a goal kick.

Messi appeared to shove his rival in the back and attempt a rash late stamping challenge as the ball went out of play, which infuriated the Chilean.

Medel responded by squaring up to the Barcelona man, shoving him and thrusting his head at him multiple times.

Messi raised his arm to suggest he wasn’t involving himself in the confrontation, but was sent off regardless – as was Medel.

Both teams were forced to play the remainder of the match with ten men.

Argentina took part after losing 2-0 in their semi-final to Brazil, while reigning champions Chile were beaten 3-0 by Peru.