CONCACAF says it will investigate racist messages directed at Canadian soccer player Mo茂se Bombito on social media after he made a tackle on Lionel Messi during a 2-0 Copa America loss to Argentina on Thursday.
The Canadian Soccer Association issued a statement on social media late Thursday night about the messages without mentioning Bombito by name.
鈥淐anada Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at one of our men鈥檚 national team players following tonight鈥檚 game,鈥 the statement said. 鈥淲e are in communication with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL about this matter.鈥
CONCACAF said it stood with Canada Soccer 鈥渋n condemning the disgraceful social media posts.
鈥淲e are now working with the federation and with our colleagues at CONMEBOL and FIFA to seek ways to investigate the accounts which posted racist material. We will continue to use our reach to promote unity and respect.鈥
Bombito, a 24-year-old from Montreal who plays for the Colorado Rapids in MLS, made an Instagram story post that didn鈥檛 reference anything specifically but said, 鈥淢y beautiful Canada. No room for that bs.鈥
Bombito caught Messi while attempting a tackle in the 82nd minute after his pass was intercepted by Lautaro Mart铆nez. Messi, clearly in pain, went down in the penalty area after Canada goalkeeper Maxime Cr茅peau saved an ensuing shot from Mart铆nez.
Replays showed a sliding Bombito getting a foot to the ball and then making contact with Messi鈥檚 right ankle. There was no foul called.
Messi walked off the field gingerly after receiving treatment but returned to action and set up Argentina鈥檚 second goal in the 88th minute.
The Associated Press