Dani Alves is a close friend of Lionel Messi, one known to defend the Argentine in a heartbeat. However, the forward did not have the Brazilian's backing this time around after his controversial attack on CONMEBOL.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner has been dominating the headlines for his remarks toward the end of La Albiceleste's Copa America campaign. After their 2-0 defeat in the semis against the Selecao, he tore apart the officiating by claiming the favored the hosts.
Then came the third-place playoff against Chile where the 32-year-old was shown a harsh red card after a clash with Gary Medel. After his sending off, the Barcelona icon was a no-show when Argentina was presented with the bronze medal and he doubled down on his corruption allegations, claiming that the tournament was fixed for Brazil.
These remarks did not sit well with many from Tite's squad. One happened to be Alves, who later went public with his distaste with his former team-mate's remarks. The full-back refused to be blinded by his friendship with La Pulga and did not hide the feeling of disrespect he got from Messi's comments.
"A friend is not always right just because he's a friend," Alves told SporTV's Bem Amigos (as per the Daily Mail). "You can say it in the heat of the moment, but I still won't agree.
"Firstly, he's disrespecting an institution such as the Selecao, in my view. Secondly, he's being disrespectful with several professionals who put a lot of things aside so they could be there fighting for a dream.
"I'm a friend who always tells the truth when it's due, and I think he was wrong for saying these things."
Alves went on to captain his nation to the title, as Tite's men beat Peru 3-1 in the final over the weekend. With Everton, Jesus, and Richarlison all finding the back of the net, the former PSG, Juventus, and Barcelona ace got his hands on his 40th professional title.
