Algeria have officially complained to FIFA over several deciding moments in the match against Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the controversial incident surrounding Lionel Messi to light.
The Algerian Football Federation has voiced dismay to FIFA’s refereeing commission over several instances of the Group J fixture that its officials found were not dealt with appropriately, the reports state.
Messi’s touching up of Algeria captain Aissa Mandi following him from behind in the first half was the most discussed, with views suggesting it was a good or bad gesture.One of the most discussed moments was when Messi appeared to touch Mandi’s back in the first half after he met some difficulty on his calf. Many fans and commentators erupted with much to say about the challenge, with some suggesting a red card for the Argentine superstar. But what referee Szymon Marciniak did not do was to penalise the players.
Algeria had also reportedly included a goal-giving elbow challenge during the second half, which saw Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister elbow Algerian player Ibrahim Maza, but without being dealt a insult.
Messi, who had been linked with leaving Barcelona last summer, was brilliant, making his first tournament appearance with Argentina by netting his beloved hat-trick for his national team in the tournament opener despite the controversy. This secured the Argentines a defender’s lead in Group J – and the Algerians were left disheartened by the outcome and the refereeing.
FIFA does not currently have any official comments to make on the complaint or any indication that FIFA will review the incidents.