Referee Roddy Zambrano shared his views on Lionel Messi's complaints and explained his decisions during the controversial game

Usually, referees are not allowed to discuss their performance in recent games, but this time, Ecuadorian referee Roddy Zambrano spoke out loud about the controversy that surrounded the Brazil - Argentina after Lionel Messi's complaints.

Speaking about the game on the radio show called "Super K-800," Zambrano hinted that VAR officers had a huge influence in his decisions, since they did not call him up to watch two penalty kicks that could have shifted the game's tide.

Zambrano shared his views on the first controversial play, which involved Nicolás Otamendi and Arthur.

"Otamendi goes into the box aiming to clash with one of his rivals. VAR officers reviewed the play and determined it could go either way, and they did not call me up to watch it. They didn't judge it to be a clear penalty. After watching the replay and looking at the newspaper on Monday, I believe they should have told me to go and have a look," Zambrano said.

Zambrano's words are somewhat shocking, since rumors emerging right after the game suggested that VAR refs had asked him to go to the monitor.

Then, the referee from Ecuador talked about the second controversy, where he undoubtedly criticized the procedure followed by VAR officers in the clash that involved Dani Alves and Sergio Aguero. That play would end with Brazil recovering the ball and scoring the game's second goal moments later.

"The first thing I notice is a baffling tackle by the defender. Why do VAR officers ignore the camera that is placed behind the net?" Zambrano inquired.

The interview concluded with Zambrano sharing his views on Lionel Messi's performance on the pitch and how he was somewhat surprised by his later statements about a rigged match.

"He is committed to play the game, I did not have any problem with him, which is why I was shocked to learn about his post-match statements, but what can you say, everyone is entitled to their opinion," Zambrano concluded.

Messi's fixed-match statements sparked criticism from Brazilian players, who recalled some of the Argentine's prior controversies with Barcelona and also caused Dani Alves to slam "La Pulga" for disrespecting Brazil's Copa America accomplishment.