Referee Joao Pinheiro addressed his on-pitch argument with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and defended the video review decision that dismissed Switzerland forward Breel Embolo during the FIFA World Cup quarter-final.
Pinheiro rescinded an initial booking for Leandro Paredes and issued Embolo a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute on July 11. Argentina won the match 3-1 in extra time after the teams drew 1-1 in normal time. Cameras captured Messi pointing his finger at Pinheiro and demanding respect during the game.
“Speak properly, do not disrespect me. Speak to me with respect. I have spoken to you with respect,” Messi told the official.
Pinheiro downplayed the interaction during an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca. He views the exchange as a routine part of his match duties.
“Messi spoke to me about some issues, and other players did too,” Pinheiro said. “Captains usually talk more with referees, and the new rules provide scope for this dialogue. Because Messi’s name got involved in that incident, the matter gained much more attention. But such discussions happen with many footballers. People view things differently when Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo are involved.”
The referee also backed the VAR process. He stated his team initially viewed the challenge by Paredes as a yellow-card offence before video footage showed Embolo simulated contact. Pinheiro confirmed he would issue the card regardless of whether the player carried a previous booking.
The International Football Association Board previously criticised the decision. Lawmakers stated VAR protocols permit officials to correct mistaken identity but not change the nature of an offence.
Pinheiro described the on-pitch conversations with players positively.
“These are constructive discussions,” Pinheiro said. “Showing a yellow card to everyone is not mandatory. Perhaps he misunderstood a decision of mine. We talked, understood each other, and then moved the game forward.”
