As was previously reported, even though Argentina advanced to the semifinals of the World Cup 2022, Leo Messi was extremely unhappy with the officiating in the match between Argentina and the Netherlands. The match was between Argentina and the Netherlands. Even the South American superstar admitted that the referee, Antonio Mateu Lahoz, had some serious flaws in his performance.
“I don’t want to talk about Antonio Mateu Lahoz because everyone knows his weakness when it comes to controlling the game, and I have good reason to be angry about this because it appears that there are many situations in which he is working against us.
It is unfathomable that FIFA would appoint such a referee to the World Cup in 2022. I won’t say any more because FIFA cannot award a penalty, but they need to rethink their decision. It is clear that the referee did not carry out their responsibilities properly “Leo Messi requested that the task be halted and asked FIFA to let referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz do so.
Messi was not only irritated by the work of the referee, but he was also very irritated when the referee mentioned Louis van Gaal, who is the coach of the Dutch national team. The captain of Argentina’s national football team stated, “He did not respect us, his remarks before the game were like a provocation to Argentina. Louis van Gaal talked too much, he said he would play beautiful football but then look, he put strikers in the box and hit the ball long. That is why Argentina deserved to go through.”
Not content to stop there, Messi’s anger appeared to reach its zenith when the Dutch striker Gaston Edul came close to being ready to ρrσvσkҽ him during an interview that he was giving to TyC Sports. Messi responded without any hesitance or hesitation, saying, “Look at what, go away, and go back to your team.”
Everyone was taken aback by Messi’s response, as the ex-Barcelona star had never been known for having such harsh words or actions in the past. On the other hand, this demonstrates Messi’s anger at his opponent’s provocative actions and remarks before, during, and after the match.
When Argentina lost the first game, I am aware that many people were gloating and urging us to give up, but we fought hard and will continue to do so. As such,” Messi said after quickly calming down to answer reporters’ questions. “However, this is still a great game. We have earned a spot in the semifinals.”
Messi and his teammates will face Croatia in the World Cup semi-finals in 2022. Argentina’s chances of winning the World Cup have never been better, especially since their main rival, Brazil, has been eliminated from the tournament.
Messi stated the following to the TyC Sports channel after the quarterfinal match: “He was against us in a number of situations. Referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz clearly failed to perform his duties, but I do not wish to elaborate. FIFA cannot rank such an incompetent official. to control a World Cup match in 2022.”
Messi’s statement was clearly full of the resentment and frustration that he and his teammates had been harbouring toward the Spanish king in black. However, Messi may have to pay for his actions. The World Football Federation considers it extremely improper to publicly criticise FIFA or FIFA members in any capacity, including referees, and they are prepared to impose severe penalties on those who do so.
In the worst-case scenario, Messi will be banned from the 2022 World Cup semifinals. If this scenario actually occurs, it would be dιsasтгous for Argentina. Messi’s performance at the 2022 World Cup will have a significant impact on South America’s strength. Messi’s absence from the lineup will be a significant loss. Specifically, in the current situation, Argentina must also face a very unsettling team, Croatia, in the semifinals.
Regarding the officiating, coach Scaloni was also dissatisfied, but the Argentine captain provided a more mature and composed response. Scaloni declined to comment on Antonio Mateu Lahoz, the referee. The Argentine captain stated that he has a good relationship with Antonio.