Messi confronts referee Pinheiro for 'disrespect' as Argentina reach World Cup semis

Lionel Messi confronted referee João Pedro Pinheiro during Argentina’s 3-1 World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland in Kansas City on Sunday, accusing the official of being disrespectful in a heated mid-game exchange. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed the win in extra-time to send Argentina into the last four.

The flashpoint came as Messi stood in Argentina’s defensive wall ahead of a Switzerland free-kick. Pinheiro instructed him to move back to the required distance, but the tone and gestures used by the Portuguese official appeared to irritate the 39-year-old. After the free-kick was taken, Messi approached Pinheiro directly, and footage appeared to show him saying: “Speak to me properly. Don’t disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly.”

The outburst was a rare departure from Messi’s typically composed demeanour, though it had no visible effect on his performance. He played the full 120 minutes and remained central to Argentina’s attacking play throughout.

The match itself was settled in extra-time after a tightly contested 90 minutes. Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead with just 10 minutes played, converting from a precise corner delivery. Switzerland levelled through Dan Ndoye midway through the second half before Alvarez and Martinez struck in the additional period to put the result beyond doubt.

With the win secured, Messi turned his attention to Argentina’s semi-final meeting with England on Wednesday, July 15. It will be the first time in his career that Messi has faced the Three Lions, and he was candid about the significance of the fixture.

“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special,” Messi told reporters. “Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.”

Messi also acknowledged the weight of history surrounding any Argentina-England encounter, referencing the iconic 1986 quarter-final, though he insisted his squad is focused on the present. “I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent,” he said.