Ace footballer Lionel Messi was recently involved in a confrontation with referee João Pinheiro during Argentina's World Cup quarter-final game against Switzerland.
The match, filled with intense moments, showed the Argentina captain demanding respect from the Portuguese official during a disagreement over the setup of a defensive wall for a free-kick. The incident occurred when Messi, stationed in the wall, perceived Pinheiro's behaviour as overly forceful while managing the players.
Lip-readers reported that Messi instructed the referee with a firm: "Speak to me properly. Do not disrespect me. Speak to me properly; I spoke to you properly."
This exchange has since become a major topic of discussion on social media. The incident highlights the Argentine star's emphasis on respect and communication on the pitch.
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