Lionel Messi told referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro not to show him disrespect during a tense exchange in Argentina's World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland on Sunday morning. The two sides battled for a place in the last four in Kansas City at 2am BST, with Argentina eventually claiming a 3-1 victory.
Messi clashes with referee over tone
The Inter Miami attacker took exception to the manner in which the official addressed him ahead of a Switzerland free-kick. Messi was positioned in Argentina's defensive wall when Pinheiro instructed him to retreat to the necessary distance. However, the Portuguese official's manner and body language towards Messi seemed to irritate him. Following the free-kick, Messi then confronted Pinheiro in frustration, seemingly telling him: "Speak to me properly. Don't disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly."
It was a largely uncharacteristic moment from Messi, who has spent the vast majority of his career allowing his football to speak for itself. Yet it appeared to do little to unsettle him, as he kept his composure and saw out the full 120 minutes.
Argentina's victory sets up England semi-final
Alexis Mac Allister put his country ahead just 10 minutes into the contest following a precise corner, before Dan Ndoye drew level midway through the second-half. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez proved decisive for the South Americans in extra time, and Argentina will now meet England in the semi-finals of the competition on Wednesday, July 15th.
Messi commented on the upcoming clash, describing Thomas Tuchel's men as "powerhouses". He told reporters: "Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive. But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent. Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special."
"Personally, it's the first time I'm going to play against them. I've played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too. And we'll experience it for what it is: a World Cup semi-final against a powerhouse, a great team, and we'll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again."
Argentina face England at 8pm BST on Wednesday in Atlanta, Georgia, with the victors set to meet either France or Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
