“Don't disrespect me.” Messi clashes with Portuguese referee

During the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal clash between Argentina and Switzerland, emotions ran high as Lionel Messi had a heated exchange with the match’s head referee, Joao Pinheiro.

According to ESPN Argentina, the Argentine captain confronted the Portuguese official following a controversial moment and demanded to be treated with respect.

“Talk to me properly. Don't disrespect me. I am talk to you respectfully,” Messi told the referee.

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What exactly triggered the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s frustration remains unclear, but cameras caught the tense on-field exchange between the superstar and the official in the heat of the quarterfinal battle.