Argentina captain Lionel Messi has claimed that Neymar will be missed at the Copa America after the Brazil forward was banned for the rest of the tournament.

The 23-year-old, who plays alongside Messi at Barcelona, was sent off and given a four-match suspension after clashing with Colombia players following Brazil's 1-0 defeat in the group stage.

Messi is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I'm sorry [Neymar] is no longer in this Copa America. He is a friend and I care about him.

"I'm sorry about the suspension he was given because I believe he is a very important player for Brazil."

The Brazilian Football Confederation is considering an appeal against the ban.