After Messi criticized match referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz, FIFA took disciplinary action against him. The FIFA disciplinary committee will likely make a statement on the subject soon. Argentina and the Netherlands' quarterfinal matchup was a brutal struggle between two powerful squads. The lack of discipline in the game was evident in a number of incidents involving players and coaches from both teams.
Antonio Mateu Lahoz, the referee, was compelled to issue 16 yellow cards as a result. Members of both teams would frequently approach one another during and after fights that broke out, along with verbal arguments. Due to the severity of the altercation, Denzel Dumfries of the Netherlands was dismissed from the game and given two yellow cards following the penalty shootout. Lionel Messi and Argentine goalkeeper Emi Martinez criticized referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz after the game.
Now, the question arises whether Lionel Messi will be suspended from the game or not? FIFA is keeping a tight eye on the Argentine legend following a spat with the referee over decisions. Argentina let up a late equalizer to draw the game at 2-2, necessitating extra time, and Messi was cautioned in the 10th minute of the extra time.
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Messi was observed berating the Spanish official. FIFA may look into and take disciplinary action against a referee if they submit such an incident in their match report in accordance with FIFA World Cup regulations. FIFA has begun disciplinary action against referee Lahoz as a result of his report of the incident in this case.
If Messi receives a suspension, he will join Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel as the third member of the Argentine team to miss the semifinal match. At Lusail Stadium on Friday, Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw, shattering the World Cup record for the most cautions issued in a game.
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