Lionel Messi was recorded telling referee Joao Pinheiro to "speak to me respectfully" during Argentina's 3-1 victory over Switzerland in a World Cup quarterfinal match. The incident occurred in the 42nd minute, with Argentina leading 1-0.
The exchange, picked up by broadcasters, saw the Argentinian captain confront the Portuguese official after a series of calls. Messi stated, "Don't be disrespectful – speak to me respectfully. I spoke to you respectfully."
Argentina secured their win with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. Switzerland's sole response came from Dan Ndoye. The match saw controversy when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute after a VAR review determined he had dived rather than been fouled by Leandro Paredes.
Switzerland's players and staff voiced strong criticism of the officiating. Defender Manuel Akanji stated, "Every little thing was called against us" and "I've never experienced such a one-sided game." Manager Murat Yakin described the refereeing as "incomprehensible."
These controversies have intensified existing conspiracy theories alleging that Argentina's path to the semifinals has been unfairly favored. Egypt, who lost to Argentina in a previous round, has called for a FIFA investigation, with winger Mostafa Ziko claiming, "This tournament has been fixed." Coach Hossam Hassan added, "This match was rigged, and the whole world saw it."
FIFA's chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, has defended the officials, stating that "nobody can question the integrity" of the refereeing and that "unfounded allegations have no place in our sport." FIFA president Gianni Infantino, however, commented, "Tonight, I suffered with Argentina…but I’m neutral."
Akanji further accused the referee of being "against" the Swiss team, asserting that "every dive and every foul by the Argentinians went unpunished." He expressed pride in his team's performance despite the outcome.
With this victory, Argentina is set to face England in the World Cup semifinals. Messi acknowledged the significance of the upcoming match, stating, "Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special."