Lionel Messi under investigation by FIFA for comments against referee

Lionel Messi could be suspended for Argentina’s semi-final clash against Croatia. The forward was very openly critical of the referee following the quarter final game against the Netherlands. 

Although Argentina were able to win the penalty shootout, the referee did not have much control over the game. The two teams were very aggressive against one another, and brawls broke out throughout the game. 

Lionel Messi could miss semi-final against Croatia 

“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 have to look at this. [FIFA] cannot put a referee like that on this game when he is not up to the level,” said Messi.

As the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner anticipated, FIFA have opened an investigation against him. And while it is expected that he will be let off with a warning, there is a slim chance that he could be suspended altogether. If that happens, Lionel Messi will have to sit out the match alongside Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel. 

This happened mainly because Lahoz mentioned a confrontation in his match report. And FIFA have to assess whether Messi’s behaviour is breaching the code of conduct. Based on reports, Lahoz has been sent home after the game between Argentina and the Netherlands – and he will play no further part in the tournament.