Messi confronts referee during Argentina's quarter-final win over Switzerland
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 12, 2026, 4:54 AM
Last updated Jul 12, 2026
During Argentina's 3-1 AET victory over Switzerland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, Lionel Messi had an intense exchange with referee Joao Pinheiro. The incident arose when Pinheiro instructed Messi regarding his positioning on a free kick. Messi, uncharacteristically animated, reminded the referee to communicate respectfully. Despite the confrontation, Messi continued to influence the game, contributing one assist and achieving 86% pass accuracy. Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals.
- •Argentina wins 3-1 AET against Switzerland in the quarter-finals
- •Lionel Messi had a notable confrontation with referee Joao Pinheiro
- •Messi recorded one assist and 86% pass accuracy in the match
- •Argentina will play England in the semi-finals
- 4:54 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi’s fiery message to Portuguese World Cup referee during QF win over Switzerland revealed
"Argentina’s 3-1 AET win over Switzerland in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final saw an uncharacteristically angry moment from Lionel Messi. The 39-year-old is known to let his football do the talking on the field, but there was a tense moment between the legend and Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro during the clash.
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