Algeria files official complaint with FIFA over Lionel Messi
Algeria has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA over key decisions in its World Cup debut against Argentina, focusing on a first-half incident involving Lionel Messi.
The Algerian Football Federation has filed a complaint with FIFA, according to L’Équipe, over the refereeing in its World Cup opener against Argentina and Lionel Messi.
Algeria reportedly took issue with the performance and attitude of Polish referee Szymon Marciniak and the VAR team during the match, arguing that several decisions went against the North African side, known as the Fennecs.
Missed red card could have stopped Messi hat trick
At the center of the complaint is a first-half incident involving Lionel Messi and defender Aïssa Mandi.
As Messi pressed Algeria during a buildup from the back, he accidentally stepped on Mandi’s leg with his studs from behind. The challenge appeared awkward and had the potential to cause injury.
Despite the severity of the contact, no yellow card was issued at the time.
No card shown, VAR silent
The referee did not caution Messi, and the VAR team also chose not to intervene or recommend a review for a possible red card offense.
The decision has become a focal point of Algeria’s grievance, with the federation arguing the incident warranted stronger punishment. Had it been reviewed differently, Messi could have been sent off early in what was his sixth World Cup appearance.
Instead, Messi went on to play a decisive role in the match, scoring a hat trick and further cementing his place in World Cup history at age 38 as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
Algeria argues missed red card changed game
In its filing, Algeria suggests that key officiating decisions, including the unpunished challenge, influenced the flow and outcome of the match.
The complaint has added another layer of controversy to a game already defined by one of football’s biggest stars and a contentious refereeing performance that continues to draw attention.
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