Meet Copa America final referee Raphael Clause, who has an uncomfortable history with Argentina’s Lionel Messi

Messi appeared to shout at the referee: “You screwed us twice” as the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The 37-year-old also had a goal disallowed after VAR intervention in the South American FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

Angel Romero converted the penalty to put Paraguay ahead and Nicolas Gonzalez levelled for La Albiceleste.

Clause is considered one of the best referees on the continent. The Brazilian also refereed the 2022 World Cup without a hitch and was also responsible for the group stage match between Mexico and Venezuela.

Argentina could become the second team after Spain to win consecutive regional, world and regional titles. They won the Copa America by beating Brazil 1-0, and Messi later led his country to their third World Cup title in 2022.

Colombia’s semi-final victory over Uruguay was also marred by scenes after the match, with several Uruguayan players involved in a brawl with a section of Colombian fans in the stands. CONMEBOL issued a statement after the match and is expected to launch an investigation into the matter as things stand.