Lionel Messi angered England fans when he was caught exchanging words with referee Ismail Elfath right after a tense first half in the World Cup semi-final.
Lionel Messi became the center of controversy in the first half of the World Cup semi-final match between Argentina and England, as Three Lions fans accused him of trying to influence referee Ismail Elfath.
The confrontation in Atlanta was tense right from the opening minutes. The two teams went into the break at 0-0, amid a game fragmented by fierce collisions and challenges. Statistics showed that up to 19 fouls were blown in the first 45 minutes, while neither side managed a shot on target.
Messi won a few free kicks for Argentina, but there were also situations where his complaints were not accepted by referee Elfath. Notably, right after the whistle ending the first half, the 39-year-old superstar was captured approaching to exchange words with the referee.
This action quickly angered a section of England fans on social media.
One commenter wrote: “Messi is trying to sweet-talk the referee.”
Another account harshly wrote: “Shut up Messi!”.
Meanwhile, another fan pointed out: “Lionel Messi is complaining to the referee at halftime.”
The reaction from England fans became even more intense due to the past connection between Messi and Elfath. The American referee, currently officiating matches in MLS, served as the fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final, where Argentina defeated France on penalties.
Elfath had also officiated four matches involving Inter Miami and Messi. According to the mentioned statistics, the Argentine star won all domestic league matches when Elfath officiated, leading some England fans to call him Messi’s “favorite referee”.
Nevertheless, players exchanging words with referees during the break is not uncommon in top-tier football. Yet in a World Cup semi-final filled with history and intense pressure, every move by Messi is easily subject to scrutiny.
