Lionel Messi was involved in a heated exchange with Portuguese referee Joao Pedro Pinheiro during Argentina's 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on Sunday.

The incident occurred late in the first half before a Switzerland free kick. As Messi stood in Argentina's defensive wall, Pinheiro instructed him to move back to the required distance. The Argentina captain took exception to the referee's tone.

"Talk to me properly. Don't disrespect me. Talk to me properly; I talk to you respectfully," Messi told the official, according to ESPN Argentina.

Messi endured a frustrating evening as Switzerland largely succeeded in containing him, leaving the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner without a goal for the first time at the 2026 World Cup. The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes despite Switzerland being reduced to 10 men, before Argentina scored twice in extra time to seal a semifinal meeting with England.

Pinheiro was involved in another major decision after the break when Switzerland striker Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation following a VAR review.

The 38-year-old referee from Vila Nova de Famalicao has been on FIFA's international list since 2016. He has officiated in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup before being appointed to the 2026 World Cup.