Messi’s comments about the Netherlands team manager may jeopardize Argentina’s chances in the semifinals. Lionel Messi was also believed to have lashed out at referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. These claims have forced FIFA to open disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine captain.
The quarter-final game between Argentina and Netherlands was one with a lot of confrontation from both sides. Many players lost their cool and words were exchanged during the match.
The referee didn’t hold back either; in that one game alone, he issued 16 yellow cards. Only two yellow cards are allowed in the world cup before the player receives a one-match suspension.
There was a heavy backlash to the events that occurred in the game which included a deliberate handball by Lionel Messi after he was on a yellow card.
Both teams breached FIFA rules of players’ misconduct and could be fined for being unable to control their players during the match.
There is a major concern among the Argentine team and fans that if at their star player is found guilty, he could miss an important match in the semifinal against Croatia.
The game recorded an all-time high of 18 yellow cards as Argentina managed to defeat the Dutch after a penalty shootout by four goals to three.
The game was one with multiple alterations as the Netherlands came back from two goals down to equalize at the last minute with a well-played free kick.
“I don’t want to talk about referees because then they will sanction you, but we were scared before the game because we knew what was coming [with Mateu Lahoz]. I can’t say what I think, but FIFA has to look at this. [FIFA] cannot put a referee like that on this game when he is not up to the level,” said Messi.
