Controversial World Cup referee who angered Lionel Messi reveals the REAL reason why he retired

A controversial World Cup referee has revealed the real reason he was forced to retire following 32 years of officiating.

The Spanish official was infamous for his bold decision-making in matches, particularly when he was in charge of Argentina's World Cup match against the Netherlands last year.

The 46-year-old produced a record 17 cards, which included a red for Denzel Dumfries after Argentina's penalty-shootout victory.

Following the game, Messi led criticism against him which saw him sent home from the tournament before the semi-finals.

Now, Mateu Lahoz has claimed he was 'demoted' as a referee and 'pushed' to retire by the Technical Committee for Referees (CTA) after he was given a guard of honour in his final game in La Liga last season.

'There has been a bit of controversy, but people have to understand that I was demoted. They demoted me, that is the truth,' he told Marca.

'I would have continued on the pitch. But for the CTA I was one of the worst referees last season and that is why I am not on the green.'

Following his World Cup controversy, Lahoz was immediately thrust back into the limelight when he dished out another 15 cards during a game between Barcelona and Espanyol.

Messi originally criticised the ref last year by saying: 'I don't want to speak about referees because after they will sanction you. But people saw what happened.

'I think Fifa must take care of this, it cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task.'