Argentina star Lisandro Martinez snaps at reporter as he weighs in on World Cup officiating

Lisandro Martinez hailed the officiating at the World Cup so far as he snapped back at a reporter’s question ahead of Argentina’s quarter-final tie.

Martinez, who is gearing up for Argentina‘s clash Switzerland after, was in no mood to suggest the holders have benefited from decisions in North America.

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The reigning world champions scraped past Egypt in the last-16 with an incredible late comeback, beating their African opponents 3-2.

But following the five-goal thriller, Egypt manager Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of supporting the Argentinians and Lionel Messi.

That claim came after VAR denied Hassan’s men a goal during the game and Mohamed Salah saw a penalty shout turned down.

Hassan was dragged away from referee Francois Letexier at the time, during some furious scenes on the touchline.

However, his complaints did nothing, with Argentina and Martinez going through to the World Cup quarter-finals.

Controversy appears to have taken over Argentina’s narrative since though – and Martinez looks to have had enough of it.

He was asked whether he had any comment to make on the standard of refereeing at the tournament so far on Saturday.

What did Martinez say about the standard of officiating?

To which the Manchester United defender replied: “No, absolutely nothing. I think they are doing an excellent job.

“That’s ​something for you [the media], who sometimes generate the controversies.”

Martinez then added before abruptly walking off: “We concern ourselves with giving our best ‌on the pitch and nothing more.”

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Martinez praised the officiating at the World Cup when many have said the opposite, and he wants to maintain that respect.

He has also spoken kindly of Argentina’s opponents, Switzerland, who they face on Sunday morning, live on talkSPORT.

“As always, what identifies ​this team is respecting ​the opponent,” the 28-year-old said on his quarter-final rivals.

“If Switzerland are at this stage, it’s because they have a lot of merit. We watched their match against Colombia and ​they always try to play.

“They are very strong physically and ​also in ⁠set-pieces. I think it will be a great spectacle because both teams try to play.”

Argentina take on Switzerland at 2am on Sunday morning UK time, with talkSPORT providing live coverage of the action.

Commentary will come from Ian Danter and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.

You can listen to talkSPORT through the website and via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.