Lionel Messi was the great figure in Argentina’s victory over Algeria (3-0), scoring a historic hat-trick at the 2026 World Cup, but his performance was marked by a controversial move that is generating debate.
In the 32nd minute, when Argentina was already leading 1-0, the Argentine captain hit Aïssa Mandi’s right calf with the studs during a ball dispute. Polish referee Szymon Marciniak called a foul, Messi apologized to his opponent, but did not show a card and VAR did not intervene either.
The move generated strong criticism among former players and commentators. Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said the Argentine “probably should have received a red card”, admitting that Messi himself seemed to realize he could be in trouble.
Former Venezuelan international Alejandro Moreno also went further, classifying the entry as “100% red card” and questioning the VAR’s decision not to call Marciniak to review the images. Moreno also considered that episodes of this type feed the idea that the biggest names in football are treated differently.
Despite the controversy, Messi remained on the field and ended up scoring two more goals, becoming the oldest player ever to score a World Cup hat-trick.
The referee who gives a red card to Messi in a World Cup has not been born.
— Pascal (@beltrandelrio)
