Argentine Lionel Messi (left) speaks with Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro (AP Photo)
Lionel Messi found himself at the center of another viral World Cup moment after a lively exchange with Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro during Argentina’s quarter-final win over Switzerland on Saturday.The incident occurred in the first half of Argentina’s dramatic 3-1 extra-time win at Kansas City, a result that sent the defending champions to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup, where they will face England in Atlanta.
The confrontation came while Switzerland was preparing to take a free kick. Messi, who was standing in Argentina’s defensive wall, appeared frustrated with Pinheiro’s instructions to retreat the required distance before taking the free kick.Television cameras captured the short but tense interaction, with the Argentina captain clearly exchanging words with the referee. Clips of the incident quickly spread across social media, becoming one of the main talking points of the match although Argentina ultimately won.The match itself started off perfectly for Lionel Scaloni’s side. Just 10 minutes later, Messi sent a precise corner kick from the left flank that Alexis McAllister headed home to give Argentina the early lead.
The first half witnessed fierce competition, as the two teams competed for control of the midfield and created few clear chances. Argentina maintained its slight advantage in the second half, before Switzerland responded after the start of the second half.Dan Ndoye equalized for Switzerland after a careful move by the duo on the edge of the penalty area, although Emiliano Martinez actually made two important saves to preserve Argentina’s lead.Switzerland’s hopes suffered a major setback in the 72nd minute when Brielle Embolo received a second yellow card after a VAR review, reducing his team to 10 players.Argentina dominated possession after gaining the numerical advantage and almost scored the winner late in normal time, but Gregor Kupil made a brilliant save from Lisandro Martinez’s acrobatic kick.The breakthrough finally arrived in extra time when Julian Alvarez cut in from the left and curled a stunning shot into the top corner to restore Argentina’s lead.Lautaro Martinez then finished off the match, reacting quickly to the rebound after a quick counter-attack to make it 3-1 and ensure Argentina’s passage to the semi-finals.The win also extended Argentina’s impressive scoring run to 15 consecutive World Cup matches, one of the longest such streak in the tournament’s history, as Scaloni’s side continued their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.
