World Cup 2026: Referees protecting Messi – Brazil’s Ribeiro

Former Brazil star, Caio Ribeiro, has claimed that Argentina captain Lionel Messi is being protected by the referees at the ongoing World Cup.

Ribeiro stated this ahead of Argentina’s World Cup final with Spain on Saturday.

Speaking on Brazilian TV, Robeiro recalled the foul Messi committed against Algeria, insisting that the 39-year-old forward should have been sent off for a dangerous tackle.

“Messi is protected by the refereeing, yes. He should have been sent off for that dangerous tackle in the group stage (against Algeria),” Ribeiro said.

“There are moments when the refereeing is much more lenient with Messi than with other players.”

Messi has been in brilliant form for Argentina so far at the World Cup, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.