Joao Pinheiro explains Embolo's controversial sending-off and his clash with Messi at the World Cup

The Portuguese referee reviewed the Argentina-Switzerland quarterfinal and argued that tense conversations with the players are part of the game

Joao Pinheiro broke his silence after the World Cup. The Portuguese referee, in charge of officiating the quarter-final clash between Argentina and Switzerland, reviewed in an interview with Channel 11 some of the incidents that marked a match surrounded by controversy.

One of them was Embolo's sending-off for a second yellow card. Pinheiro explained that, at first, the officiating team interpreted that the Argentine player had committed an offense worthy of a booking. However, the review of the play showed that there had been no foul and that the opponent had simulated the contact.

"We saw that there was no infringement and that it was a simulation. Since it was the second yellow, it ended in a sending-off. If it had been the first, the decision would have been exactly the same," the referee said, who viewed positively the changes introduced by FIFA to correct this type of action.

We saw that there was no foul and that it was a simulation. Since it was the second yellow, it resulted in a sending-off

"The tense dialogue with Messi

The match also left a discussion between Pinheiro and Lionel Messi. Cameras caught the Argentine captain asking the referee to speak to him properly and not to disrespect him.

The Portuguese downplayed the episode and assured that it was not an exceptional situation. "Messi raised some issues with me, as other players did as well. Captains speak more with referees, and the new rules allow that dialogue," he explained.

Pinheiro believes that the Argentine's name amplified a routine exchange on the pitch. "Because it was Messi, it got more visibility, but it happens with many footballers. When it's Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, these situations are seen differently," he noted.

When it's Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, these situations are seen differently

Far from considering these conversations harmful, the referee believes they can help control matches without constantly resorting to cards. "They are healthy dialogues. We don't have to caution for everything. He may have misinterpreted something I did, we talked, understood each other, and moved on," he added.

We don't have to caution for everything

The referee also recalled with emotion his participation in the World Cup, which returned a Portuguese refereeing team to the final stage twelve years later. Pinheiro was especially grateful for the support of the president of the Portuguese Federation, Pedro Proença, who accompanied the referees throughout the tournament: "There are no words to describe a World Cup. You only understand its magnitude when you experience it," he concluded.