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Copa América

Messi row: UEFA denies inviting Argentina to Nations League

Argentina's fury at their Copa America exit prompted reports they could play in UEFA, a suggestion denied by the governing body.

Update:
Messi row: UEFA denies inviting Argentina to Nations League
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UEFA has denied reports it would entertain inviting Argentina into its European competitions following the 2019 Copa América.

Argentina finished third at the Copa but captain and star man Lionel Messi voiced complaints following the semi-final and the third-place play-off, during which he was controversially sent off.

Messi described the officiating during the loss to Brazil as "bull****" and suggested his side were victims of "corruption" after beating Chile, which led to a strong rebuttal from CONMEBOL who described his comments as "unacceptable" and "unfounded".

It was subsequently reported UEFA could invite Argentina to enter its Nations League.

"No truth whatsoever" in Argentina Nations League claims

However, European football's governing body has denied this is the case, insisting such an offer would never be forthcoming.

A statement read: "There is no truth whatsoever in the suggestion that Argentina has been asked to participate in UEFA competitions, nor to become a member of UEFA.

"UEFA has never entered into any discussions on this matter and would never do so.

"However, in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie and as an inclusive organisation, UEFA will, of course, invite Argentina as special guests to watch any UEFA competition at any time."