DANI ALVES has slammed former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi for his Copa America "corruption" claims.
The Argentine maestro lashed out at South America's governing body Conmebol after his side beat Chile 2-1 in the third-place play-off.
Alves, 36, triumphed at the Copa America with Brazil, claiming the 40th trophy of his career.
The Samba Boys had beaten Messi and Co 2-0 in the semi-finals, prompting the Barca star to rage about "bulls***" refereeing.
But the Argentine went even further after he was sent off for an alleged headbutt on Gary Medel against Chile.
Messi, 32, suggested his side could have done better at the tournament if hosts Brazil had not been favoured by "corrupt" referees.
And Alves had none of it, saying Messi's outburst was "disrespectful" towards his countrymen.
He told SporTV: "A friend is not always right just because he's a friend. 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."
Copa America chiefs blasted Messi for his post-match rant which, they claimed, "misrepresented the truth and put to judgement the integrity of [the tournament]".
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And the Barcelona star could now face a two-year ban from international competition.
There are rules in place that prohibit insulting the South American Football Federation or anyone working with or for the organisation.
But whether Comnebol would want to ban Messi, their biggest name, remains to be seen.
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