Algeria have lodged a formal complaint to FIFA over a series of controversial refereeing decisions, including one involving Lionel Messi, during their 3–0 drubbing against Argentina in their FIFA World Cup opener. Messi made a blistering start to the mega event and scored a hat-trick to lead Argentina to a thrilling 3-0 win. However, there was one controversial moment involving Messi and Algeria captain Aissa Mandi that grabbed most post-match headlines. The incident happened in the first half when Messi appeared to catch Mandi on the calf with a raised boot from behind.
There was an appeal from the Algeria players, but the play continued as the referee did not call for a review, inviting criticism.
“The complaint primarily concerns Lionel Messi’s challenge, which deserved a red card,” an Algerian football federation source told AFP.
“We are not saying Argentina were not the better team, but we cannot stay silent when we feel certain incidents were handled unfairly.”
“There were three situations that we believed warranted stronger action, and VAR did not intervene in any of them.”
Algeria was upset at Messi’s decision, but that was not the only controversial incident in the FIFA World Cup match. The federation also pointed to a second-half incident in which Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister was alleged to have struck Ibrahim Maza with an elbow during an aerial duel.
Did Messi Deserve Red Card?
The controversial decision stirred a debate on social media, with fans and experts presenting their point of view. South Africa coach Hugo Broos was clearly upset after Messi escaped the punishment, while his midfielder Themba Zwane was handed a three-match suspension, for almost the same issue.
“When I see what happened with Messi, I don’t agree with what happened to my player,” Broos said.
“I don’t want Messi sent off because players of that quality should be on the pitch, but I struggle to understand the difference between the two incidents.”
The defeat to Argentina has dented Algeria’s hopes, and they now need to do well against Jordan and Austria.
