Copa America: Did Messi refuse to accept 'Player of the tournament' award?

According to the media reports, Argentina skipper Lionel Messi refused to accept their 'Best player of the tournament' award which forced Copa America officials into removing the trophy from the podium.

In a video showed on minutouno.com an official can be seen removing the trophy from the stage just before the presentation ceremony. It is believed that the Barcelona forward instructed officials not to give him the trophy at Chile's National Stadium.

This is not the first time in this tournament Messi refused to accept an award. After the match against Paraguay on June 13, when Argentina drew 2-2, Messi refused to accept the man of the match award. After his refusal, other players from the team were asked to accept the award. But the players followed the suit with their captain, reports goal.com.

Chile won the Copa America for the first time in the tournament's 99-year history on Saturday when they beat Argentina 4-1 on penalties after 90 minutes and extra time failed to produce a goal.

Alexis Sanchez netted the clinching goal from the spot after Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega had missed for Argentina.

The nail-biting finish came after a tense 0-0 draw in which neither side dominated and clear-cut chances were few and far between. 

Related read: Copa America: Lionel Messi's family heckled, brother attacked during Argentina-Chile final