Argentina captain Lionel Messi fired at the Portuguese referee, said – ‘Talk to me politely…’

New Delhi: In a very exciting match being played in the FIFA World Cup 2026, the clash between Argentina and Switzerland was not limited to just strategic maneuvers, but high-voltage drama and boiling of emotions of the players was also seen on the field. After 90 minutes of play, both the teams were tied at 1-1, while Switzerland was playing with 10 players. In the end, Argentina won the match by scoring two consecutive goals in extra time.

Read:- Argentina shines in extra time, defeats Switzerland 3-1 and reaches World Cup semi-finals for the second consecutive time

Messi’s tough attitude on the field

Argentina’s great captain Lionel Messi, who failed to score a goal for the first time in this entire tournament, looked quite frustrated and upset on the field, because the Swiss defense had completely thwarted his every chance of scoring a goal. Messi’s anger and irritation came to the fore in the first half of the match when he clashed with Portuguese referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro on the field. This incident occurred just before a free-kick was awarded to Switzerland. Messi was part of Argentina’s defensive wall. Then referee Pinheiro instructed them to retreat to the prescribed distance. The Argentinian captain, incensed by the tone and tone of the referee’s conversation, immediately retorted and said, “Talk to me politely.” Don’t disrespect me. Speak to me properly, because I have also spoken to you properly.

Questions were also raised on referee Joao Pinheiro

Lionel Messi, one of the world’s greatest footballers, was in no mood to slack off when his team was struggling to break Switzerland’s strong defence. However, in this match, referee Joao Pinheiro not only became the victim of Messi’s anger, but he also came under target of fans and football pundits after a big decision taken by him in the second half. In the second half, after taking the help of VAR, Switzerland’s star player Briel Embolo was sent off the field by the referee after finding him guilty of diving, which put the Swiss team under immense pressure.

Read :- FIFA World Cup Update: Lionel Messi’s Argentina made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup, defeated Switzerland 3-1.

Know who is Joao Pinheiro?

Born in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, 38-year-old João Pedro Pinheiro is considered one of the most promising and best referees in Europe at present. Just a year after making his debut in Portugal’s top-flight league in 2015, he earned the prestigious FIFA International Badge in 2016. Given his consistent performance in European football and his progress as a referee, he has got the opportunity to officiate in the biggest tournaments in the football world like the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup. It is on the basis of these excellent credentials and excellent track record that he has been selected to officiate the matches of the 2026 World Cup on the global stage.