Lionel Messi became the centre of attention during Argentina’s dramatic 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-final on 12 July, after a tense verbal exchange with referee Joao Pinheiro was caught on camera and quickly spread across social media.
The moment unfolded in the first half as Switzerland prepared to take a free kick. Messi, standing in Argentina’s defensive wall, appeared to take issue with the tone Pinheiro used while instructing him to retreat the required distance. Cameras picked up the Argentina captain responding immediately and again approaching the official after the kick was taken.
According to lip readers and reports citing ESPN Argentina, Messi could be heard telling the referee, “Talk to me properly. Don’t disrespect me, I talk to you respectfully.” He remained calm throughout, keeping his hands behind his back, and Pinheiro chose not to book him. Play continued without further incident.
It capped a frustrating night for Messi individually, with Switzerland largely nullifying his influence and the match finishing goalless for him for the first time at this World Cup. Argentina needed extra time to break down 10-man Switzerland, with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez both scoring to book a semi-final meeting with England and keep alive the defending champions’ bid to become the first side since Brazil in 1962 to retain the trophy.
The incident is the latest in a run of contentious moments to follow Argentina through the tournament. In the round of 16 against Egypt, a stoppage-time goal was ruled out following a VAR check for an earlier foul on Lisandro Martinez, a decision that prompted Egypt coach Hossam Hassan to suggest officials had been keen to keep Messi and the world champions in the competition. Earlier in the group stage, Messi avoided a card despite a studs-up challenge on Algeria captain Aissa Mandi that many pundits felt warranted dismissal, a decision the Algerian federation later contested with FIFA.
Pinheiro, a 38-year-old official from Portugal who has held FIFA status since 2016 and has taken charge of Champions League, Europa League and Super Cup fixtures, was also involved in the match’s other major flashpoint, sending off Switzerland forward Breel Embolo for simulation after a VAR review in the second half.
