LIONEL MESSI was heard having a fiery exchange with the referee during Argentina’s World Cup victory against Switzerland.
The Albiceleste punched their ticket to the semi-finals following a controversial 3-1 victory over the Swiss national team on Saturday at the Arrowhead in Kansas City, Missouri.
Messi, 39, didn’t score this time around but still played a key role as he registered an assist for Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister’s opener after just 10 minutes.
And just three minutes before half-time, the Argentina captain was spotted having a spat with referee Joao Pinheiro.
The nature of their confrontation is unclear but their conversation was picked up by broadcasters.
Messi was heard saying: “Speak respectfully, don’t be disrespectful. Speak to me respectfully. I spoke to you respectfully.”
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Switzerland were also left fuming with Pinheiro, 38, after he sent Breel Embolo off just five minutes after Nottingham Forest star Dan Ndoye’s equaliser.
Embolo, 29, was given his marching orders after VAR intervened and sent the Portuguese official to the monitor as a result of mistaken identity.
The ref initially showed a yellow card to Argentina star Leandro Paredes for a foul on Embolo but replays showed that the Swiss striker dived.
Thus, Paredes’ booking was lifted and instead it was the Rennes star that was cautioned with his second yellow of the night.
The reigning world champions went on to dominate the affair against ten men and sealed their place in the semi-finals after goals by Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
Messi and co are now set to take on England on Wednesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
That game will mark the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s first ever clash with his national team’s historic rivals.
Messi said: “Everything I have seen and remember [about Argentina vs. England from 1986] is from videos and images that Argentinians constantly watch and relive.
“But I think this group is used to playing football matches regardless of the opponent.
“Obviously, playing against England is special because they are a powerhouse, and matches against powerhouses are always special.
“Personally, it’s the first time I’m going to play against them. I’ve played against everyone except England, so it will be nice for that reason too.
“And we’ll experience it for what it is: A World Cup semifinal against a powerhouse, a great team, and we’ll try to arrive in the best possible shape to compete again.”
