PRIDE?Did Lionel Messi refuse to accept Copa America best player award as video emerges of official removing trophy?

  Copa America officials were forced into removing their 'best player of the tournament' award due to Lionel Messi's refusal to claim the prize,   according to reports in Argentina

  A video has emerged of an official appearing to remove the trophy from a stage after Chile's penalty shootout win against Argentina. 

 BEFORE THE END OF THE GAME

AFTER THE END OF  THE GAME

Messi is said to have instructed officials not to award him the trophy during the presentation at Chile's National Stadium in Santiago. 

 The Barcelona superstar failed to impress at the tournament despite Argentina's relative success in Chile. 

Messi failed to score from open play during Argentina's six Copa America games. 

His only goal of the competition came from the penalty spot during Argentina's 2-2 draw with Paraguay. 

Messi has been criticised in the past for failing to replicate his Barcelona form when he represents his country.