Portugal defender Pepe believes Argentine referee Facundo Tello played a key role in his side's exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar following a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.
Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball at Al Thumama Stadium.
Pepe questioned Tello's performance and suggested Lionel Messi's criticism of the referee during Argentina's penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands on Friday had played a part.
"We dominated the game 100 percent of the time," Pepe said.
"I think what the referee did today; this is an Argentinian referee.
After what Messi said yesterday it seems there's something very weird. We couldn't play in the second half because the referee kept stopping the game.
"I'm very angry, very angry because the referee didn't let us play."
Walid Regragui's men will face holders France in the semifinals at Al Bayt Stadium on Wednesday.