Famous Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz criticized the behavior of Argentine striker Lionel Messi in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup against the Netherlands.
After the match, the forward and his partners mockingly celebrated reaching the next stage, while the player himself had an argument with the Oranje striker Wout Weghorst during an interview.
Goal quotes Lahoz as saying:
In that game, I saw a different Messi. He behaved very poorly at the World Cup; it was disgraceful. I have officiated in over 50 matches involving him over the years. After his celebration with hands to his ears, it provoked the Netherlands. It was a provocation
Earlier, Napoli forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia called Messi the main contender for the Ballon d'Or, and the legendary footballer expressed his desire to return to his native team Newells Old Boys.
In the quarterfinals of the World Cup-2022 Argentina beat the Netherlands in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw and became World Champions at the end. Lionel Messi was named the best player of the tournament with seven goals.
