The 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Argentina and Switzerland proved to be a duel that went well beyond simple technical tactics. Despite Switzerland being down to 10 men, the game stayed tied at 1-1 after 90 minutes until Argentina’s fast double in extra time ended it. For the first time in this tournament, Lionel Messi was unable to score, and his frustration was evident as the Swiss successfully neutralized his goal-scoring threat. When he argued with Joao Pedro Pinheiro, the referee, during the first half, his frustration erupted.
The incident happened just prior to a free kick for Switzerland. When Pinheiro told Messi to retreat to the necessary distance, Messi, who was part of Argentina’s defensive wall, objected. The Portuguese referee’s tone infuriated the Argentine captain, who said, “Speak to me properly.”
As Argentina struggled to defeat a tactically savvy Swiss team, Messi, one of the best players to have ever graced the game, was not in the mood to let the official get under his skin.
“HABLÁ BIEN, NO FALTES EL RESPETO. A MÍ HÁBLAME BIEN”.
Lionel #Messi, al árbitro portugués. 🤬🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/fxMHSPMvLe— treintaytres (@GRUPOTRESTRES) July 12, 2026
“Speak to me properly. Don’t disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly,” Messi reportedly told the referee.
In the second half of the match, the referee was also under fire for sending out Switzerland’s Breel Embolo for diving after a VAR intervention.
Also Read – Scaloni: ‘We Knew We Were Going to Suffer’ as Argentina Grind Past Switzerland Into World Cup Semis