Lionel Messi and Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 to win a ticket to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Besides his professional mark, the 39-year-old superstar also became the focus with a heated argument with Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro.
The situation occurred in the first half when Switzerland was awarded a free kick. Standing in the defensive wall, Messi was asked by referee Joao Pinheiro to retreat to the correct regulated distance. However, the way the "black-clad king" communicated and gestures made the Argentine captain unhappy.
According to Argentine media, television cameras recorded the moment Messi approached and said to the referee: "Please talk to me properly. Don't disrespect me, because I always talk to you with respect.
The conversation quickly spread on social networks and became one of the most noticed moments of the match.
Messi's frustration stemmed from a series of decisions that he considered disadvantageous to Argentina. At the time of the controversy, the defending champion was leading Switzerland 1-0 on the field in Kansas City.
Although not scoring against Switzerland, Messi still left his mark with an assist for Alexis Mac Allister to open the score. This is his 10th assist after 32 matches at the World Cup, helping the Argentine superstar continue to hold the record for the player with the most assists in the history of the tournament.
