Argentina captain Lionel Messi has questioned FIFA’s choice to appoint Antonio Mateu Lahoz as the referee for their quarterfinal clash against the Netherlands on Friday.

The Spaniard took charge of the knockout fixture at the Education City Stadium.

In the 120 minutes the game lasted, Lahoz matched the yellow card World Cup record of 16 that was set by Portugal and the Netherlands in 2006.

Speaking after the game, Messi claimed Lahoz was not at the level to officiate in Qatar.

He said, “We needed this joy." I don’t want to talk about the referee, because you get sanctioned afterward.

“But they can’t assign a referee who is not at this level." He is the World Cup’s worst referee, by far.

“The reason he awarded 10 additional minutes is because he wanted them to draw the game.”