"Speak to Me Respectfully": The Full Story Behind Lionel Messi's Exchange with the Referee Against Switzerland
Argentina captain Lionel Messi was involved in a heated exchange with Portuguese referee João Pinheiro during Argentina"s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final victory over Switzerland, in one of the match"s most talked-about moments.
According to ESPN Argentina, the incident occurred in the 42nd minute of the first half after Messi voiced his frustration over several refereeing decisions.
The report claims Messi addressed the referee by saying: "Speak to me respectfully. Don"t disrespect me. I"m speaking to you with respect." The exchange reportedly came after the Argentine captain objected to the referee"s manner of addressing him, urging that mutual respect be maintained on the pitch.
Despite the tense moment, Messi remained central to Argentina"s performance. The eight-time Ballon d"Or winner delivered the corner kick that led to the opening goal, with Alexis Mac Allister heading home in the 10th minute to give the defending champions an early lead.
Switzerland responded strongly after the break and equalized in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who finished a well-worked move with Ricardo Rodríguez to beat goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
Cameras captured the number ten, Messi, immediately calling the other person out: "Speak properly—don"t be disrespectful. Speak to me respectfully; I spoke respectfully to you." Lionel Messi confronted Portuguese referee João Pinheiro during the match against Switzerland...
— Wilfredo Sandro Meli (@San057312445396) July 12, 2026
However, the match turned dramatically just five minutes later when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Referee João Pinheiro ruled that Embolo had attempted to simulate a foul near midfield, prompting strong protests from the Swiss players.
With a numerical advantage, Argentina increased the pressure but failed to find a winner during regular time, sending the match into extra time.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 112th minute when Julián Álvarez scored a superb goal to restore Argentina"s lead. Lautaro Martínez then sealed the victory with a third goal in stoppage time of the second extra period, securing a 3-1 win and a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
ميسي يكتفي بتحذير الحكم شفهيا، في المرة القادمة ستكون هناك بطاقة pic.twitter.com/x4DCWlL2Mo
— Screen Mix (@ScreenMix) July 12, 2026
Argentina will now face England in a highly anticipated semi-final clash, while France and Spain will contest the tournament"s other semi-final.
Although Argentina"s qualification dominated the headlines, Messi"s reported exchange with referee João Pinheiro quickly became one of the most discussed moments of the match. As of now, neither FIFA nor the match officials have publicly commented on the reported incident, while the quotes attributed to Messi originate from media reports, including ESPN Argentina.