Leo Messi's Wish Granted As Popular Referee Has Been Sent Home By FIFA

According to several reports, Mateu Lahoz will not be refereeing any of the remaining World Cup games since he is “heading home from Qatar”
The match between Argentina and Netherlands in the quarterfinals, where the referee issued an astounding 15 yellow cards, was his final one.
Both teams did not think highly of Lahoz’s performance, with Argentina’s players particularly vociferous about his officiating.

Following the game, Lionel Messi, Argentina’s captain and icon, was in the forefront of the criticism of Lahoz.

“I don’t want to talk about the referees because they will punish you afterwards, stated Messi. But everyone saw what occurred.”

“I think Fifa must take care of this, it cannot put a referee like that for a match of such significance, of such importance,” the 35-year-old stated.

Referee showing 15 yellow cards at the 2022 World Cup

The referee must be capable of handling the situation.
Messi’s request to not officiate in the semifinals or championship game appears to have been granted by Fifa.

Emi Martinez, the keeper for Argentina, joined his captain in criticising the official’s performance.
“The referee was simply giving everything for them”, according to Martinez.

He added 10 minutes to the time all by himself. He gave them free kicks outside the box two or three times. He essentially only cared that they score. So hopefully that reference is no longer available. He’s worthless.

Argentina’s World Cup campaign continues, unlike Lahoz, despite their criticism of the referee.
In order to secure a spot in the World Cup final, Messi and company take on Croatia in the semifinals

Argentina and Croatia will go to battle as they look to reach another World Cup final in recent years when they face off in the first of the last-four clashes on Tuesday.

Croatia will be looking to reach back-to-back finals after being beaten by France in Russia four years ago, but will go into their clash with a huge boost having knocked out favourites Brazil in the last round.
Argentina meanwhile were the beaten finalists in Brazil back in 2014 but having overcome a stubborn Holland on penalties will now believe they can go all the way with Lionel Messi in their ranks