Lionel Messi’s heated exchange with Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro was one of the biggest talking points during Argentina’s FIFA World Cup quarter-final win over Switzerland on Saturday.
The match, which finished 1-1 after regulation time despite Switzerland being reduced to 10 men, was eventually decided in extra time when Argentina scored twice to book their place in the semi-finals.
However, the encountered witnessed Messi’s heated interaction with the Portuguese referee after being instructed to move back while forming the defensive wall for a Swiss free-kick. The incident occurred during the first half when referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro asked Messi to maintain the required distance before Switzerland took a free-kick.
The Argentina captain appeared unhappy with the referee’s manner of communication and responded by asking him to speak respectfully.
According to reports, Messi told the official: “Speak to me properly. Don’t disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly.”
Despite the exchange, play resumed without any further confrontation.
Messi, who was unable to score for the first time in the tournament, appeared visibly frustrated as Switzerland’s disciplined defensive display restricted his influence throughout the match.
Pinheiro was again involved in a major moment after Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervention in the second half.
Following the review, Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off for diving, leaving the Swiss to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Argentina eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage by scoring twice in extra time to seal a place in the last four.
Who is Joao Pinheiro?
Joao Pedro Pinheiro is a 38-year-old Portuguese referee from Vila Nova de Famalicão.
He made his debut in Portugal’s top-flight league in 2015 and became a FIFA-listed international referee the following year.
Over the past decade, Pinheiro has established himself as one of Europe’s leading match officials, regularly officiating major continental competitions.
His experience includes matches in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, performances that earned him selection as one of the referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.