Algeria have officially lodged a complaint with FIFA regarding the 'refereeing injustice' in their opening World Cup 2026 match against Argentina. The complaint primarily concerns Lionel Messi's challenge on Aissa Mandi, which deserved a red card, according to a federation source.
The incident happened in the 30th minute of the match, and from there on, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner went on to score two more goals, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory.
The Algerian football federation has taken offence at Messi not being shown a red card and has therefore filed an official complaint with FIFA. The source further said that one cannot remain silent in the face of injustice, and this is the main reason the federation approached FIFA.
Earlier, former Manchester City player Nedum Onuoha had said that Messi definitely deserved a red card for such a poor challenge. Messi scripts history with a hat-trick on June 16, becoming the joint-highest goal-scorer in the FIFA World Cup.
