Lionel Messi refused to accept the Best Player of the Tournament award at the Copa America, and it has now been revealed why.
Read: Messi Refused Player Of The Tournament Award
The Argentine told Chile coach, Jorge Sampaoli, why he turned down the award and his reasoning earned him the respect of his opposition.
"I asked Leo Messi why he did refuse the Best Player of the Tournament award," Sampaoli told reporters.
"He answered that he came to win a trophy with his country and that individual trophies doesn't interest him.
"He has my respect."
Messi and Argentina lost the Copa America final by penalty shootout against Chile on Saturday, which was their second straight final loss after defeat in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final to Germany.
The 28-year-old had reportedly been chosen as the Player of the Tournament, but decided not to accept the award.
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The award has been handed out since 1987 and it was the first time that no player received the individual trophy.
Do you think Lionel Messi was right to reject the Player of the Tournament award? Have your say in the comments section below.
