FIFA has launched disciplinary action against Messi after he reprimanded referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. Now, it is anticipated that the FIFA disciplinary committee will soon publish a comment on the matter. Argentina and the Netherlands fought hard in the quarterfinal matchup, which featured two formidable teams. The lack of discipline in the game was demonstrated by the numerous incidents involving players and coaching staff from both teams.
Consequently, Antonio Mateu Lahoz, the referee, was forced to show 16 yellow cards. In addition to verbal disagreements, participants from both teams frequently grew close during and after fights. After the penalty shootout, the Dutchman Denzel Dumfries received two yellow cards and was sent off the field. Lionel Messi and Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martínez criticized referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz after the match.
Can Messi be sanctioned?
After a disagreement over the referee’s decisions, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player is being closely watched by FIFA. Argentina conceded a late equalizer to tie the game 2–2, forcing the game into extra time, and Messi received a booking in the 10th minute of the second half.
While the Argentine players seemed, by all accounts, to be disappointed, Messi was seen scrutinizing the Spanish referee. If such an incident is reported by a referee in the match report, FIFA may conduct an investigation and take disciplinary action against the referee, in accordance with FIFA World Cup regulations. In this case, the incident was reported by referee Lahoz, and FIFA has taken disciplinary action against him.
In response, Messi stated that he does not want to talk about referees because “they are going to penalize you, but we were scared before the game because we knew what was coming. [with Mateu Lahoz].” I can’t express my opinion, but FIFA must investigate this. That type of referee cannot be used in this game because he is not up to it ”.
If it is prohibited, for how long?
The provision for the penalty is determined by the severity of the offense cited by the referee; If the FIFA disciplinary committee determines that Messi violated many rules, he could be sanctioned, such as being expelled from a game. However, if he has not broken any rules, he may receive a warning for his behavior in the future and be eligible to play Croatia in the semifinal match.
Along with Marcos Acuña and Gonzalo Montiel, Messi would become the third player from the Argentine team to be sanctioned for the semifinal match. At Lusail Stadium on Friday, Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, setting a world record for most yellow cards in a single game.
Messi could retire after this World Cup
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is currently in great shape. He has scored four goals and dished out two assists before the semifinal game.
Argentina coach Lionel Scolari said in an interview that Messi would play to his heart’s content and believes this World Cup would be his last considering he is already 35 years old.
