Lionel Messi’s testy exchange with the referee during Argentina’s 3-1 win over Switzerland has fueled fresh conspiracy claims over the team’s controversial World Cup run.
Lionel Messi didn’t hold back in the 42nd minute. According to the Daily Mail, the Argentina captain confronted referee Joao Pinheiro, telling him to “speak respectfully” in a clip that went viral instantly.
Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1, but Breel Embolo’s second-yellow dismissal — for an alleged dive — reignited “fixing” claims.
Defender Manuel Akanji blasted the officiating as one-sided, while Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan called the tournament “rigged.”
FIFA’s Pierluigi Collina defended the officials’ integrity, and Infantino insisted he remains “neutral” despite feeling for Argentina.
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