"Speak to Me Properly": Messi Confronts Official in Heated Touchline Row
Lionel Messi was caught telling referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro to show him more respect during a tense exchange in Argentina's 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Lionel Messi was involved in a tense exchange with referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro during Argentina's World Cup quarter-final win over Switzerland. Cameras caught the Inter Miami forward telling the Portuguese official to show him more respect during a disagreement over a defensive wall.
Argentina eventually won the match 3-1 after extra time, with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealing their place in the semi-finals. Despite the result, the clip of Messi addressing the referee has become the main talking point online since the final whistle.
What sparked the disagreement
The disagreement broke out during a Switzerland free-kick. Messi, standing in the defensive wall, felt Pinheiro was being too forceful while organising the players around him.
According to broadcast lip-readers, Messi told the official:
"Speak to me properly. Don't disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly."
- Lionel Messi, Argentina forward
Key details
- Final score: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (after extra time).
- Goalscorers: Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez.
- Referee: Joao Pedro Pinheiro (Portugal), age 38.
- Incident occurred during a Switzerland free-kick setup.
A referee used to the big stage
Pinheiro is considered one of the top referees in European football. He earned his FIFA international badge in 2016 and has since taken charge of matches in the Champions League and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.
Born in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Pinheiro has experience handling high-pressure fixtures. Even so, managing Messi in a World Cup knockout match presented a different kind of test for the official.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened between Messi and the referee?
Messi was caught on camera telling referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro to show him more respect during a disagreement over a defensive wall at a Switzerland free-kick.
What did Messi say to the referee?
According to broadcast lip-readers, Messi told Pinheiro: 'Speak to me properly. Don't disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly.'
What was the final score between Argentina and Switzerland?
Argentina won 3-1 after extra time, with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sending them into the World Cup semi-finals.
Who is Joao Pedro Pinheiro?
Pinheiro is a 38-year-old Portuguese referee who earned his FIFA international badge in 2016 and has since officiated in the Champions League and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup.
