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Lionel Messi hit out at referee Juan Gabriel Benitez after Argentina drew 1-1 against Colombia at the World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday (June 10). He blamed the official for failing to control the game and causing all the tensions between the players.
Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez was sent off for a high boot that caught Kevin Castano on the head. It left the Colombian midfielder with a cut on his forehead in a heated second half and the player altercation continued even after the full-time whistle.
Messi was not happy with the referee and blamed the official for failing to control the players. He said via Tribuna:
"This is your fault! You caused all this, with the decisions you made, you started everything that happened."
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Messi was also involved in a verbal exchange with James Rodriguez. He was not happy with the former Real Madrid star's comments about the referees helping Argentina win trophies and said:
"You said that they helped us in the Copa America final, you talk too much."
The Colombian refused to comment on the verbal exchange with Messi and said:
"What did Messi say to me? Naah.. what happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch."
Lionel Messi was taken off in the match while Argentina were 1-0 down in the second half. However, Thiago Almada scored to level things up, and the defending world champions managed to avoid a defeat.
Lionel Messi has been going after referees in 2025
Lionel Messi also hit out at the referee after Inter Miami’s clash with Orlando City and claimed that the official did not know the rules. He urged MLS to take a closer look at the officials and help them get better. He said via GOAL:
“We had a great first half, we were attacking, creating scoring chances. Then there was a strange play where one of their players gave the [Orlando] goalkeeper a pass and the referee said, he told me, he didn’t know the rule and didn’t see it that way. From there came their long pass and the goal. Sometimes there are errors in critical moments. It happened in the last game, too. Not excuses, but there are always issues with referees and I think MLS has to look at some of the officiating.”
Inter Miami lost 3-0 to Orlando City in the MLS earlier this year at home despite Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba starting.
