Lionel Messi tells referee to 'be respectful' in heated exchange during Argentina's quarter-final

Lionel Messi found himself in a heated confrontation with Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro during Argentina's World Cup quarter-final triumph over Switzerland.

The exchange, which occurred in the 42nd minute with the defending champions leading 1-0, was captured by television cameras and quickly spread across social media platforms.

Messi could be heard telling the official: "Speak respectfully, don't be disrespectful. Speak to me respectfully. I spoke to you respectfully."

The viral moment came as tensions ran high in Kansas City, with Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister's early header giving the South Americans the advantage heading into the interval.

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Switzerland responded after the break, through Dan Ndoye, who found space behind the Argentine defence before slotting past Emi Martinez into the bottom corner.

The match turned decisively when Breel Embolo was sent off, leaving the Swiss to battle with 10 men.

Argentina capitalised ruthlessly during extra time, with the world champions asserting their dominance over their depleted opponents.

Former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez produced a brilliant long-range effort to restore the lead for the South Americans.

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Lautaro Martinez added a third to seal the 3-1 victory and book Argentina's place in the last four of the tournament.

The dismissal of Embolo proved the flashpoint that ignited Swiss frustration after the final whistle.

Following a VAR review in the 72nd minute, the striker was shown a second yellow card for simulation rather than being awarded a foul against Leandro Paredes.

A new regulation introduced for this tournament permits officials to overturn decisions if it emerges the opposing team actually committed the infringement.

Switzerland's players and coaching staff were fuming at the officiating, with echoes of Argentina's victory against Egypt.

Former Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji accused the Portuguese referee of "being against" him and his teammates.

He said: "Every little thing was called against us. Every dive and every foul by the Argentinians went unpunished.

"I don't usually say anything against the officials, but I've never experienced such a one-sided game as today.

"As soon as the game was over, I thought: I'm so proud of our team.

"What we've achieved throughout the entire tournament, and especially today... We played against the world champions, and they didn't stand a chance.

"I can't recall a single scoring opportunity from open play where we were lucky.

"If the game had continued 11 against 11, it would have likely gone in our favour."

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