VIDEO: ‘Don’t disrespect me’ - Lionel Messi involved in angry exchange with World Cup referee as Argentine GOAT tells FIFA match official how to behave
Goal | 12.07.2026 17:36
The tension peaked during a set-piece situation where Switzerland prepared to take a free-kick. Messi, positioned in the defensive wall, felt Pinheiro was being overly aggressive while marshalling the players. According to broadcast lip-readers, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner delivered a stern warning to the official, stating: “Speak to me properly. Don't disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly.”
