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Yerry Mina Breaks His Silence To Respond To Lionel Messi's Brutal Copa America Taunts

Yerry Mina Breaks His Silence To Respond To Lionel Messi's Brutal Copa America Taunts

The defender was the victim of several digs from Messi as Colombia lost on penalties to Argentina in the semi-final.

Thomas Harvey

Thomas Harvey

Yerry Mina has broken his silence and responded to Lionel Messi's brutal Copa America taunts.

The Everton defender, who spent one season at Barcelona with Messi in 2018, was the victim of several digs from his former teammate as Argentina overcame Colombia in the semi-final on penalties.

Mina had scored a penalty during Los Cafeteros' win over Uruguay in the quarter-final, dancing and laughing with teammates after converting, even though his effort wasn't the winner.

When Mina saw his spot-kick saved by Emiliano Martinez against Argentina, Messi was overheard shouting: "Why don't you dance now?"

Somewhat uncharacteristically, Messi then sarcastically applauded Mina as he returned to the halfway line.

Argentina went on to win the Copa America with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final - Messi's first major international trophy with his country.

Now, a few weeks on from their spat, Mina insists there are no hard feelings between him and Messi.

"What happened with Leo is something that can happen at any moment, this is football," Mina said at a charity event.

"Life has cycles, it gives [opportunities for] revenge, but I am calm because I know that Leo is a great person.

"I met him at Barcelona, and I thank him for the support that he gave me. I will always respect him.

"I admire Messi for what he is. At that time we were both defending our national team.

Image: PA
Image: PA

"If I could give my life for my national team, I would give it, but what happened was left [out on the pitch], there's nothing to it."

The semi-final shootout was a bad-tempered affair, with plenty of trash talk on display from both camps.

Argentina goalkeeper Emi Martinez also had plenty to say when Mina stepped up to take his penalty.

"You're laughing, but you're nervous," said the Aston Villa shot-stopper. "I know you already, fool. I know you. Look out, I'm gonna eat you alive. I'm gonna eat you alive."

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Lionel Messi