Lionel Messi was caught in a heated exchange with referee Joao Pinheiro during Argentina's World Cup quarter-final victory over Switzerland, with cameras capturing the moment the captain demanded respect from the Portuguese official. The incident took place during Argentina's 3-1 win in Kansas City, where Messi approached the referee during the 42nd minute after a disagreement on the pitch.
The conversation between the pair was picked up by broadcasters and quickly spread across social media. Messi was heard telling Pinheiro, 'Speak respectfully, don't be disrespectful. Speak to me respectfully. I spoke to you respectfully.'
