Messi involved in heated exchange with Portuguese referee, video goes viral

Argentina captain Lionel Messi was seen arguing with Portuguese referee João Pinheiro during their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Switzerland. The exchange took place before a Switzerland free-kick as Pinheiro instructed Messi to move back. A video of the incident has gone viral, with Messi seen pointing his finger at Pinheiro during the exchange.