About Lavezzi, Argentine National Team Agreed to Shut Up
Rabu, 16 November 2016 - 17:45 WIB
About Lavezzi, Argentine National Team Agreed to Shut Up
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BUENOS AIROS - This Argentine star is leading an Argentina media boycott after the national team took a stand in backing team-mate Ezequiel Lavezzi following accusations of drug use.
Argentina's entire 23 man squad turned up to a post match press conference in the aftermath of their 3-0 win over Colombia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, with Messi calling for 'respect' and announcing that no players would answer questions.
The stance follows claims by an Argentine radio journalist, published on Twitter, that suggested team-mate Lavezzi had been caught smoking cannabis while on national team duty ahead of Tuesday night's game.
Argentina's players have become increasingly frustrated with reports in their own media during the team's struggles in World Cup qualifying.
Tuesday's victory was their first in five matches in the South American group and moved them up to fifth – the play-off position for a place in Russia in 2018.
Despite the relief of the occasion, the players refused to speak, with Messi leading their protest.
"We have made the decision not to talk to the press any more, obviously you know why," Messi said.
"There were a lot of accusations, a lot of disrespect, and the accusations they made against 'Pocho' (Lavezzi) are very serious. We know that most of you guys don't play that game of disrespect. We can be criticised if we lose, or win, or if we play well or badly. But this is getting into personal lives. If we don't put a stop to it now, we'll never stop it," he added.
Ezequiel Lavezzi was accused of drug use ahead of their World Cup qualifier. Lavezzi stood alongside Messi as he spoke on behalf of the squad.
The row surrounds an allegation from reporter Gabriel Anello, who works for Argentine radio station Radio Mitre.
"Lavezzi is left off the substitutes' bench tomorrow because of the joint that was smoked last night in the camp? I'm asking... just asking," said Anello.
Hebei China Fortune winger Lavezzi is set to take legal action against the journalist involved in what he calls: "False statements against me and the serious damage that have generated to my family and in my work."
The Barcelona forward celebrates in front of the Argentina fans in San Juan on Tuesday
The entire squad walked out after Messi's brief message.
The Barcelona star was back to his best on Tuesday night to inspire his country to victory in San Juan with a goal and two assists in the 3-0 win over Colombia.
Argentina's entire 23 man squad turned up to a post match press conference in the aftermath of their 3-0 win over Colombia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, with Messi calling for 'respect' and announcing that no players would answer questions.
The stance follows claims by an Argentine radio journalist, published on Twitter, that suggested team-mate Lavezzi had been caught smoking cannabis while on national team duty ahead of Tuesday night's game.
Argentina's players have become increasingly frustrated with reports in their own media during the team's struggles in World Cup qualifying.
Tuesday's victory was their first in five matches in the South American group and moved them up to fifth – the play-off position for a place in Russia in 2018.
Despite the relief of the occasion, the players refused to speak, with Messi leading their protest.
"We have made the decision not to talk to the press any more, obviously you know why," Messi said.
"There were a lot of accusations, a lot of disrespect, and the accusations they made against 'Pocho' (Lavezzi) are very serious. We know that most of you guys don't play that game of disrespect. We can be criticised if we lose, or win, or if we play well or badly. But this is getting into personal lives. If we don't put a stop to it now, we'll never stop it," he added.
Ezequiel Lavezzi was accused of drug use ahead of their World Cup qualifier. Lavezzi stood alongside Messi as he spoke on behalf of the squad.
The row surrounds an allegation from reporter Gabriel Anello, who works for Argentine radio station Radio Mitre.
"Lavezzi is left off the substitutes' bench tomorrow because of the joint that was smoked last night in the camp? I'm asking... just asking," said Anello.
Hebei China Fortune winger Lavezzi is set to take legal action against the journalist involved in what he calls: "False statements against me and the serious damage that have generated to my family and in my work."
The Barcelona forward celebrates in front of the Argentina fans in San Juan on Tuesday
The entire squad walked out after Messi's brief message.
The Barcelona star was back to his best on Tuesday night to inspire his country to victory in San Juan with a goal and two assists in the 3-0 win over Colombia.
(rnz)
