Roddy Zambrano, the referee of the controversial semifinal between Brazil and Argentina in 2019 Copa America, explained his decisions in the game to Ecuadorian radio show Super K-800, saying he's "surprised" by the remarks of Lionel Messi.

Argentina lost 2-0 to Brazil in the semifinal on July 2, failing to reach the final and again failing to win at least one major international title while led by Messi. The team, both the manager and players were furious about the result and accused the referees of failing to make the right calls costing Argentina the victory.

Argentina's argument focused on two penalties they believe the referees did not call and did not check the video assistant referee (VAR). One happened between Sergio Agüero and Daniel Alves and the other between Nicolás Otamendi and Arthur Melo.

"On the first play it is clear that Aguero steps in. It's almost a reckless foul on the defender (Alvis)," said Zambrano that rejected to call a penalty kick. After that, Brazil extended their lead to 2-0 via counterstrike.

"Otamendi also went in to challenge, it's not an elbow (from Arthur). VAR looked at it and determined that it was 50/50, they didn't tell me to look at it, they didn't consider to be a clear penalty," said the Ecuadorian referee.

There were also reports about the VAR not working during the semifinal, which the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) confirmed but also emphasized it only, had happened before the kick-off. Zambrano said: "I never lost contact with the VAR that is totally false."

Messi expressed his rage by firing at both the referees and the CONMEBOL, calling 2019 Copa America "corrupt". Zambrano's response was: "(Messi) dedicates himself to playing and I never had any problems with him. His declarations surprised me, but everyone has their opinions."