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Lionel Messi returned to controversy after a video went viral in which he reprimands several referees at the end of a match. The footage sparked a heated debate on social media, where some fans claim that the Argentine star tried to intimidate them and assert his authority. "You have to respect me," is the phrase the number 10 of the Argentina National Team launched.
The 2026 World Cup concluded and not in the best way for Messi since, as pointed out on social media, he ended up losing much more than the FIFA Cup against Spain; internet users note that the player lost credibility and the respect of the fans, this due to the alleged favoritism that the referees had towards him and that he allegedly faked fouls to harm the opposing team.
The Argentine's reputation is at its lowest point and with the video that recently went viral on social media, discontent towards him has increased. In the clip, Lionel Messi is seen approaching the officiating crew after the match to express his annoyance over some decisions made during the game.
In the images, the footballer is seen gesturing and speaking firmly in front of the officials. "You have to respect me (...) the fans can shout nonsense, but you and you don't referee well," says Messi, who walks past the referees and complains. It is speculated that the moment happened during an Inter Miami match, since the forward is wearing a pink outfit, so it is also believed that it is not recent.
¿Qué reacción provocó el video de Messi regañando a los árbitros?
The clip generated thousands of comments and divided opinions: those who criticized the Argentine's attitude pointed out that no player should address the officiating crew in that manner; on the other hand, some users defended the Albiceleste captain, arguing that complaining about refereeing decisions is part of the intensity of soccer itself.
"A little more and Messi would have given the referee a card," "The Argentines don't see anything right now hahahaha," "Who is Messi without Infantino?", "But I was told the arrogant and bad person was CR7," "The good thing is that the world has already realized who Messi and his national team are," and "I regret having been a fan of Messi," were some of the reactions.
[Publicidad]