ENGLAND fans spotted Lionel Messi’s actions after the half-time whistle blew in Atlanta.
And supporters watching the World Cup semi-final were left furious at the Argentina forward.
Lionel Messi was seen talking to the referee at half-time Credit: AP
Ismail Elfath has been in charge of four MLS games featuring Messi’s Inter Miami side Credit: Getty
England and Argentina headed into the break goalless after a fiery, stop-start first-half.
There were 19 fouls in the opening 45 minutes and zero shots on target.
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Messi, 39, won a couple of fouls but had some appeals turned away by referee Ismail Elfath.
The former Barcelona man was seen talking to the referee as the half-time whistle blew.
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And fans were left furious after seeing Messi’s actions.
One said: “Messi trying to sweet talk the ref.”
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Another posted: “Shut up Messi!”
While a third commented: “Lionel Messi complaining to the referee at halftime.”
Elfath is a referee in Major League Soccer and was fourth official in the 2022 World Cup final – where Argentina beat France on penalties.
He has officiated four Inter Miami games featuring Messi.
And the Argentine has won every league game with Elfath in the middle.
