‘Respect Me!’ Messi Confronts Referee in World Cup Quarter-Final Drama
Argentina captain Lionel Messi challenged Portuguese referee João Pinheiro after a controversial decision in their 2-1 extra-time win over Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium on July 12. “Talk to me properly, please. Don’t disrespect me; I talk to you respectfully,” Messi demanded in an uncharacteristic outburst that recalled his clash with Antonio Mateu Lahoz at the Qatar 2022 quarter-finals. Argentina advanced thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s early goal and a late strike from Julián Álvarez. The tense finish drew parallels with their 2014 extra-time victory over Switzerland.
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