Lionel Messi clashed with referee João Pedro Pinheiro during Argentina's 3-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Switzerland, telling the Portuguese official: “Speak to me properly. Don’t disrespect me.” The incident came midway through the match when Pinheiro gestured for the 39-year-old to move back from a Switzerland free-kick. Messi, taken aback by the tone, approached the referee after the set piece and made his feelings clear.
Despite the tension, Messi played the full 120 minutes and helped Argentina secure a semi-final meeting with England on Wednesday, July 15. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring after 10 minutes from a pinpoint corner, before Dan Ndoye levelled midway through the second half. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in extra time to settle the tie.
“Messi clashes with referee, then receives treatment for a knock ahead of England semi-final.”
But Messi's fitness has been in focus after he received treatment during a hydration break, suffering a knock that required medical attention. The Inter Miami forward, who had stayed on his feet throughout the contest, was seen speaking with Argentina's medical staff.
After the match, Messi described Thomas Tuchel's England side as “powerhouses”, adding: “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’ve faced them.”
Argentina now prepare for a semi-final that will be Messi’s first encounter with the Three Lions, with the veteran expected to lead his team out in Kansas City.