Lionel Messi rages and blasts "bulls**t" after Argentina's Copa America loss to Brazil

Lionel Messi accused Copa America officials of favouring hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte. Brazil beat Argentina 2-0 in the semi-finals of the Copa America. Goals from Premier League stars Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino helped their side to qualify for the final. "They were not better than us. They found the net early and the second goal came from a penalty [to Aguero] they didn't award," Messi told reporters. "They [the officials] had called a lot of bulls**t, but they didn't even check the VAR, that's unbelievable. That happened all over the game. At the first glance of contact, they ruled in their [Brazil's] favour and this kind of bulls**t distracted us from the game. Throughout the tournament, they called bulls**t handballs, bulls**t penalties, and bulls**t fouls. But somehow today, they refused to use VAR. There are no excuses for us, but we need to review this, analyse it and let's hope CONMEBOL does something about it - but surely not, because Brazil commands too much power in the organisation. I spoke to the referee and he said he would respect us that he would look after us but at no moment did I see that. I think we played a great game. We made a great effort and they were not superior to us." Messi believes that Argentina can have a bright future ahead of them - with another Copa America on the horizon in 2020. "Something new is on the horizon. I hope we are respected and not criticised. They should let the team be and let them grow," he said.  "The truth is I have got on very well with this group of players and if I have to help in some way I will. This is a great group which is growing and if I can join them I will."

Brazil beat Argentina to qualify for the finals. Match highlights (VIDEO)