45-year-old Spanish referee Mateu Lahoz was the center of attraction in Argentina vs Netherlands quarterfinal match. Lahoz ran an absolute madness by producing a staggering 15 yellow cards combined in that match. Netherland’s Denzil Dumfries received a second yellow in the last minute of the extra time, which sent him off.
Argentina took lead through a goal from the fullback Nahuel Molina. The goal was set up by the little magician himself, probably with the pass of the tournament. Messi’s 73rd-minute penalty without a reply from the Dutch made it even more comfortable. However, Louis Van Gaal’s super sub, Wout Weghorst came on and changed the match completely. He scored an injury-time equalizer to take the match to extra time and eventually to penalties.
WOUT WEGHORST SAID EXTRA TIME PLEASE 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/ornxrUTN8l
— GOAL (@goal) December 9, 2022
Argentina came on top in the shootout, following two incredible Emiliano Martinez saves. Lionel Messi, predominantly known as the ‘gentleman’ of the sport, lost his cool in the post-match interview. The Argentine superstar slammed the referee, Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal, and even the goalscoring opponent Wout Weghorst.
Lionel Messi, in the post-match called Mateu Lahoz out for horrible officiating. He said this level of incompetency in refereeing is unacceptable at this level. According to him, Lahoz was not up for the massive pressure this match produced. He added by saying he hopes Argentina doesn’t get another referee like Lahoz again in this tournament.
Fans react Mateu Lahoz is being sent home for poor judgment in Argentina vs. Netherlands World Cup quarterfinals match
Today, Mateu Lahoz was sent home from Qatar, possibly due to his yellow card shenanigans in the Argentina-Netherlands match. Twitter fans have always been good about throwing sarcastic responses to controversial decisions like these. Some are referring to Lahoz as the ‘best friend’ of Argentina and Messi. This scenario is happening majorly due to a penalty not given to the Netherlands, which many felt should have been awarded.
messi lost his best teammate rip https://t.co/8y6ERkMEfk
— 🇲🇽🦅 (@camrevengeszn) December 12, 2022
Messi Effect is insane 🐐 pic.twitter.com/HzdBIRoOJ9
— Ziad is NOT in pain 🇦🇷 (@Ziad_EJ) December 12, 2022
Wow just because of Messi 😂😂 it’s clear now, the agenda is clear now, FIFA is corrupt!
— Lucchiz Osei (@LucchizOsei) December 12, 2022
Mateu Lahoz’s refereeing performance was a disaster for both the teams partaking. The authority’s decision to send Lahoz back home has created a smoke of rumors about Lionel Messi’s influence in the decision.