Lionel Messi has called on Fifa to drop referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz after the World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Netherlands.
The Albiceleste prevailed 4-3 on penalties, but the Spanish referee caused controversy in the way he officiated the match.
Lahoz handed out 16 yellow cards over the course of the tie as emotions spilled over, including Messi.
“I think that FIFA cannot use this referee for this type of match because he is not up to the task,” Messi said.
“A lot of joy and relief. It wasn’t to go to penalty kicks. We suffered too much for how it all happened.
“But the it’s the quarter finals of the World Cup. Going through is the most beautiful and impressive thing.”