It has been confirmed that Lionel Messi of Argentina pointed his finger at the referee in anger during the World Cup quarterfinal match against Switzerland.
Spanish media outlet Marca reported today that "Messi confronted Portuguese referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro."
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the FIFA North and Central American World Cup quarterfinal held at Kansas City Stadium on July 12.
According to Marca, the incident occurred during the first half of the match during a free-kick situation for Switzerland, when Messi clashed with referee Pinheiro.
The outlet explained, "Referee Pinheiro instructed Messi to step back the required distance, and the referee's tone and gestures made Messi uncomfortable."
It is reported that Messi then told referee Pinheiro, "Speak with respect. Don't be rude. You don't know how to talk to people."
Several photos taken during the free-kick situation captured Messi pointing his finger at referee Pinheiro.
Referee Pinheiro is considered one of the most promising referees in Europe.
He debuted in the Portuguese first division in 2015 and earned his FIFA international referee license just one year later.
Born in 1988, referee Pinheiro is one year younger than Messi, who was born in 1987.
Marca assessed him by stating, "He has been assigned to major UEFA tournaments so far, and his career helped him reach the World Cup stage."
Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Seo Byeong-uk | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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