Match officials wore bright pink shirts in Miami today. They officiated the Group H match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
FIFA stated the color choice pays tribute to the city of Miami.
Fans Note Inter Miami Similarity
Many fans noticed the shirts match the local Inter Miami uniforms. Lionel Messi currently plays for this specific American club.
Adidas manufactures both the Inter Miami kits and the referee uniforms. Some critics argue the color choice inadvertently advertises the local club.
Uruguayan Fans Express Frustration
The uniform decision sparked intense discussions among the Uruguayan fanbase. Uruguay considers Argentina a major historical rival in international football.
Messi remains the captain of the Argentine national team. Some Uruguayan supporters felt the pink shirts showed subtle favoritism.
FIFA maintains the decision strictly honors the host city.