Portuguese João Pinheiro broke his silence after the controversial events that accompanied the Argentina-Switzerland match in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Portuguese referee, who officiated the match, reviewed some of the incidents that marred the controversial encounter.
Among these incidents was the sending-off of Switzerland's Embolo after receiving a second yellow card following a video review, in addition to Lionel Messi speaking to him sharply.
In statements reported by the newspaper "Marca", Pinheiro explained that the refereeing crew initially interpreted the Argentine player's foul as warranting a caution, but a review of the footage showed no foul had occurred and that the opponent had simulated being fouled.
He continued: "We saw that there was no foul and that it was simulation. And since it was the second yellow card, it resulted in the player's expulsion. If it had been the first, the decision would have been exactly the same."
He added that he welcomes the changes introduced by FIFA to address this type of behavior.
It is noted that the International Football Association Board "IFAB" confirmed today that the expulsion of Swiss player Breel Embolo during the match against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals was an incorrect decision, explaining that the video review process that led to the player receiving the second yellow card was not correct.
According to IFAB, Embolo did not deserve expulsion after receiving the second yellow card following a video review for simulation to obtain a foul, a decision that changed the course of the match in the 72nd minute, shortly after Switzerland equalized 1-1, with Argentina winning 3-1 in extra time.
The tense dialogue with Messi
The match also witnessed a verbal altercation between Pinheiro and Lionel Messi, as cameras captured the Argentine team captain speaking sharply to the referee and asking him to speak to him respectfully and not insult him.
The Portuguese referee downplayed the incident, confirming that it was not an exceptional case.
He explained: "Messi raised some points with me, as other players did. Team captains communicate more with referees, and the new rules allow this dialogue."
Pinheiro believes that mentioning the Argentine star's name amplified the intensity of a common dialogue on the pitch.
He noted: "Because it was Messi, the matter received greater attention, but this happens with many football players. When it comes to Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, these situations are viewed differently."
Instead of considering these conversations harmful, the referee believes they may help control matches without constantly resorting to cards.
He added: "They are constructive dialogues. We are not forced to caution everyone. Perhaps something I did was misunderstood; we talked, understood each other, and then moved on."
The referee also recalled with nostalgia his participation in the World Cup, which marked the return of Portuguese refereeing to the finals for the first time in twelve years.
Pinheiro extended special thanks to the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proença, who accompanied the referees throughout the tournament, saying: "There are no words to describe the magnificence of the World Cup. One does not realize its greatness until one experiences it."
