At FIFA’s showcase event in Qatar, the Spanish referee sparked controversy by showing 17 yellow cards and a red during a heated quarterfinal match between Argentina and the Netherlands, a match that the Albiceleste ultimately won on penalties to advance to the finals, where they would go on to win the tournament.

After the game, Messi said, “FIFA cannot appoint a referee of this calibre for matches of this magnitude” because Lopez had angered both teams in that quarterfinal. Messi had teased Dutch coach Louis van Gaal by cupping his ears in the direction of the former Barcelona boss after scoring.

Lahoz, who is no longer an official in La Liga, spoke to Tiempo de Juego about the abuse he received from Messi prior to and during the pivotal match. “Leo Messi called me after the Netherlands game in the World Cup and apologized for the harsh words he said to me during the game,” Lahoz said. He played like a completely different Messi. It was unfortunate that he acted so poorly throughout the World Cup. Over the course of our friendship, we’ve shared fifty or more matches. The Dutch were provoked following the Topo Gigio party, so they cupped their ears.

Afterward, the Argentina captain aimed a now-famous “bobo” joke at Wout Weghorst, a former loanee of Manchester United, and Messi blamed “nerves” for his passionate performance against the Netherlands.