A major officiating controversy overshadowed Lionel Messi’s landmark performance as fans and pundits claimed he escaped a clear red card after a dangerous first-half tackle on Aissa Mandi during Argentina national football team’s 3-0 win over Algeria national football team.
The incident, which saw Messi’s studs catch the back of Mandi’s calf, was reviewed only as a foul with no yellow card issued and no VAR intervention, triggering widespread accusations of preferential treatment.
Despite the backlash, Messi went on to produce a defining World Cup display, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to secure victory and match Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament record of 16 goals.
He opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a curling strike from distance after combining with Rodrigo de Paul, before adding his second early in the second half when he reacted quickest to a rebound following an Alexis Mac Allister effort.
His third goal arrived late in the match, a composed low finish after being played through by Nicolas Gonzalez.
The controversy stemmed from the first-half challenge on Mandi, where Messi lunged into a challenge that made contact with the defender’s calf.
Although Mandi was able to continue, the decision not to show a card, even after a VAR review, sparked immediate debate across social media and among analysts.
“Clearest red card and he didn’t even get a yellow for this even after a VAR check. lmao,” one fan raged.
“Messi just got away with an absolutely disgusting challenge to an Algeria defenders leg,” another said.
“There’s no way this isn’t a red card. Even Messi himself realised the blunder he made. They didn’t even give him a yellow,” another confused fan said.
“This is a red card offense but there was no yellow card nor var check,” another added.
“Let’s be honest: if anyone else had committed that foul, they’d have been sent off. The only reason Messi stayed on the pitch is because he’s Messi. It was a definite red card,” another said.
Former ESPN analyst Ale Moreno also strongly criticised the decision, calling it “100 per cent a red card” and arguing that it reinforced perceptions of star-player leniency.
“It plays along this narrative that great players get preferential treatment,” Moreno added.
On the pitch, however, Argentina remained in control throughout the match, with Algeria struggling to create clear chances against a dominant side.
Messi later moved level with Ronaldo on 15 World Cup goals before equalling Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record, further cementing the historic nature of his performance.
After the match, Messi reflected on his achievement, saying, “When I’m in good shape, I give it my all,” Messi said through an interpreter.
“It makes me very happy to have lived through everything that came my way. What I’m living though now is the cherry on top.
“I’m very happy an grateful for this wonderful group. I enjoy it so much.”
Lionel Scaloni also praised his captain’s influence, adding, “At a loss for words about Leo. What can I say? He’s incredible,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
“Everyone in football wants to see him and enjoys it.”
