'They can give the title to Argentina now': Portugal's Pepe makes explosive 'Messi' remark after quarterfinal loss
Portugal veteran Pepe made an explosive allegation following the side's 0-1 defeat to Morocco in the quarter-final of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday.
Portugal centre-back Pepe has made rather explosive allegations on the FIFA following the side's exit from the World Cup in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Morocco produced a stunning performance in the game against Portugal, beating the side 1-0 after Youseff En-Nesyri's towering header in the 42nd minute remained the sole difference between the two sides. This was likely the final World Cup appearance for Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, who came on as a substitute six minutes into the start of the second half but failed to make a difference for Portugal.
In his post-match interview, however, Pepe has made massive remarks on the presence of Argentine referee in the game against Morocco, insisting that FIFA can “give the title to Argentina now.”
“It's inadmissible that an Argentine referee was in charge today after what happened yesterday, with Messi complaining. After what I saw today, they can give the title to Argentina now,” Pepe said in an explosive interview following the loss in the quarter-final.
Pepe further referred to an incident towards the end of the first half in the quarter-final match, when the referee waived off appeals for a penalty from the Portugal players and blew the half-time whistle.
“He did not see the play that could have been a penalty for Bruno Fernandes. We had the ability to win this World Cup. Later, we had the feeling of the arrogance of the refereeing team. Argentina will be champion. There were five Argentine referees... What else can I say," Pepe said.
“It is unacceptable that an Argentine referee referee our game. After what happened yesterday, with Messi,” said Pepe further, as quoted by ESPN Argentina.
At 39, Pepe, in all likeliness, has also made his last FIFA World Cup appearance. Ronaldo will likely end his international career with a World Cup title; however, he won a continental title with Portugal when the side lifted the Euro 2016 trophy, beating hosts France in the final.
