Messi brands Argentine Football Association a 'disaster'

Lionel Messi has slammed the Argentine Football Association (AFA) for its poor organisation potentially hampering the national team's bid to win the Copa America Centenario.

The Barcelona star took to Instagram to vent his disgust at the team's plane being grounded in Houston on Thursday. La Albiceleste was waiting to fly out to New Jersey for the Sunday's final against holder Chile.

"Once again waiting on a plane to leave for our destination," he said under the image with Sergio Aguero, courtesy of translation from ESPN FC.

"What a disaster the AFA are. My god!"

The country's football association defended its practices in light of Messi's post, explaining reasons for the team's delayed departure:

The Argentine Football Federation informs that the flight which is transporting the national team to New Jersey suffered a delayed departure due to weather issues.

Also, the AFA advises that all of the scheduled times of the transfers are designated by the organisers of the Copa America Centenario.

Argentina met Chile in the thrilling final of 2015, when Messi scored his penalty in the shootout only for Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega to fail with their attempts, handing La Roja the victory via spot kicks.