Lionel Messi had a tense moment with Portuguese referee João Pinheiro during Argentina's 3-1 victory over Switzerland, after extra time, in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
Messi explodes against Portuguese referee; see photos from the discussion
Lionel Messi had a tense moment with Portuguese referee João Pinheiro during Argentina's 3-1 victory over Switzerland, after extra time, in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. João Pinheiro, one of Portugal's main referees and a member of...
The Swiss mainly contested the expulsion of striker Breel Embolo, while Argentine players also expressed dissatisfaction with some refereeing decisions. In one of the most tense moments of the game, Messi argued with the referee and asked for more respect during the conversation.
- I spoke straight to you", the number 10 reportedly said, according to the Argentine press.
- Despite the complaints, Argentina won 3-1 in extra time and secured a place in the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face England in search of a place in the final.
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João Pinheiro, one of Portugal's main referees and a member of the FIFA team, was the target of criticism from both sides throughout the match. The Swiss mainly contested the expulsion of striker Breel Embolo, while Argentine players also expressed dissatisfaction with some refereeing decisions.
In one of the most tense moments of the game, Messi argued with the referee and asked for more respect during the conversation.
"Don't disrespect me. Speak to me straight. I spoke straight to you", the number 10 reportedly said, according to the Argentine press.
Despite the complaints, Argentina won 3-1 in extra time and secured a place in the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face England in search of a place in the final.
? “HABLÁ BIEN, DON’T MISS EL RESPETO. A MÍ HÁBLAME BIEN”. Lionel Messi, referee Pinheiro. ?????#argentina #Messi #selecciónargentina #mundial2026 pic.twitter.com/eW15Oqh6ZR
Check out the photo gallery and see the moment in which Messi asks João Pinheiro for “respect”.
England beat Norway in extra time and go to the semi-final
With two goals from Jude Bellingham, the English team won 2-1 after coming up behind on the scoreboard and secured a place to face Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.