Lionel Messi: World Cup Referee Mateu Lahoz Received Apology After Argentina Netherlands Game

• In December last year, Argentina and the Netherlands served up one of the best games of the 2022 FIFA World Cup
• Argentina came out on top after winning 4-2 on penalties, with Emi Martinez saving two
• Match official Mateu Lahoz controversially issued 14 yellow cards and a red card

World Cup official, Mateu Lahoz has opened up on the classy gesture shown by Lionel Messi after the referee officiated the quarter-final game between Argentina and the Netherlands.

The two countries served up one of the best and most controversial games in Qatar, with the spotlight on many incidents and the referee Lahoz, who fans claimed had an off day.

The Spanish referee issued 14 yellow cards - eight for the world champions and six for their opponents. He topped it with one red card for Denzel Dumfries during the shootout.

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As reported by Marca, Messi and Emiliano Martinez expressed their dissatisfaction with the officiating, with the goalkeeper calling him 'useless'. Lahoz was sent home afterwards, though it was unrelated to the game.

Messi apologised to Lahoz

As reported by Mirror UK, the Argentina captain admitted he had regrets despite winning the tournament, and it was about his actions during the quarter-final game in which he insulted Wout Weghorst and Louis van Gaal.

The official has now opened up on Messi's gesture after the game while speaking to Marca, via Tribuna.

"Leo Messi called me and apologised for the harsh words he directed at me. He said he wasn't himself," he said.

The two had history during Messi's time in La Liga before he left Barcelona in 2021. In 2018, the official apologised for ruling out Messi's goal in the 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, a goal that would have handed Barca the title.

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Pep Guardiola also had his fair share of controversy from Lahoz, who sent off the Manchester City boss during the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool.

Messi’s six moments in Qatar

Sports Brief previously reported Messi’s six unforgettable World Cup moments as revealed by the former Barcelona player in celebration of the six-month anniversary of the triumph.

The 36-year-old recapped some of Qatar's best moments, including his incredible assist for Nahuel Molina against the Netherlands and his opening goal against Mexico.