Argentina – Switzerland: “Speak to me with respect,” Messi tells the referee
During the first half of the 2026 World Cup quarter‑final between Argentina and Switzerland (3‑1 after extra time), footage showed a visibly irritated Lionel Messi in a heated exchange with the match referee, Joao Pinheiro.When Lionel Messi speaks, everyone listens. At least, that was the case for the referee of Saturday’s match between Argentina and Switzerland (3‑1 a.p.). In the first half, with the Albiceleste already leading 1‑0 thanks to Alexis Mac Allister, a tense exchange was observed between La Pulga and Joao Pinheiro, the main referee appointed for the match. Messi did not appreciate one of the official’s decisions — and especially, it seems, the way he spoke. “Speak to me with respect, don’t be disrespectful, I spoke to you respectfully,” the Argentine No. 10 said, in comments relayed by Argentine channel TyC Sports.
In the footage, the Portuguese referee does not appear to react and even tries to calm the Albiceleste star. “Lionel Messi was seen speaking very angrily to the referee and pointing him toward the Swiss side. One minute later, the Swiss striker (Breel Embolo) receives a yellow card…,” noted a user on X, adding fuel to the theory of favoritism toward Argentina since the start of the World Cup.
“England is a formidable team”
After Argentina’s qualification for the World Cup semi‑finals, Lionel Messi already looked ahead to the match against England, scheduled for Tuesday at 9 p.m. in France. “Playing against England is special because they are a formidable team, and matches against teams of that caliber are always special,” he told ESPN Mundial. “Personally, it will be the first time I play against them. I’ve played against every team except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.”
He later added on Instagram: “We suffered again, but this team never stops believing. We are back among the four best teams in the world!!! Let’s go damn it!!!”
Source: RMC Sport
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