Lionel Messi insults 'coward' referee in half-time meltdown, Scaloni calls official 'shameless'

Argentina knocked out of World Cup by Netherlands

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has called the referee in his team's World Cup quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands a "coward" and accused him of favouring their opponents.

Messi was furious with Antonio Mateu Lahoz's performance in the match, which saw Argentina lose 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

The Barcelona forward was booked in the first half for a challenge on Nathan Ake and was also involved in several other incidents with Dutch players.

Tensions boil over

Tensions boiled over at half-time, with Messi reportedly confronting Lahoz in the tunnel.

According to reports, Messi called the referee a "coward" and accused him of being "against Argentina".

Scaloni blasts 'shameless" official

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also criticized Lahoz's performance, calling him "shameless".

"I don't want to talk about the referee, but I think it's a shame that someone like him can referee a match of this importance," Scaloni said.

Lahoz defended by FIFA

FIFA has defended Lahoz's performance, saying that he "followed the Laws of the Game and the VAR protocol".

However, Messi's comments are likely to put pressure on FIFA to review Lahoz's performance.