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Messi threatens referee and breaks World Cup assist record

In the quarter-final against Switzerland (3-1 a.e.t.) in Kansas City, Lionel Messi sharply confronted referee Joao Pinheiro while delivering his tenth World Cup assist, an all-time record.

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Messi threatens referee and breaks World Cup assist record
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Argentina qualified for the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup by beating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, in the night of Saturday to Sunday in Kansas City. But beyond the result, two incidents dominated the discussion: a controversial red card against Breel Embolo in the 72nd minute, and an altercation between Lionel Messi and Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro.

The scene unfolded in the 42nd minute. After a whistle in favour of the Swiss, Messi approached Pinheiro, pointed at him and said, according to several Argentine media outlets including TyC Sports: “Talk to me properly! Don’t disrespect me. I speak to you with respect.” The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner did not receive a disciplinary sanction, but the images quickly circulated.

On the sporting front, Messi did not score but influenced the game by providing an assist to Alexis Mac Allister for Argentina’s opening goal. It is his tenth assist at the World Cup, a new record. The Argentine is now alone at the top of both historical rankings of the tournament: leading scorer with 21 goals and all-time leading passer.

Albiceleste, which had already struggled against Cape Verde and Egypt in this World Cup, once again had to dig deep to win. It reaches the semi-finals of the competition, where an opponent to be determined awaits.

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