Algeria have fired a complaint against Lionel Messi to FIFA after they fell 3-0 to Argentina in their opening 2026 World Cup match.
The Algerian Football Federation have filed a formal complaint with FIFA. The federation is critical of several refereeing decisions in the match and in particular a situation involving Lionel Messi, according to AFP.
In the 30th minute, Messi hit Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the leg with his studs after a tackle from behind. Despite this, the Argentine star was not booked.
Later in the match, Messi played a crucial role in Argentina’s victory. The 38-year-old scored all three goals as Argentina won 3-0.
A source within the Algerian Football Federation confirmed to AFP that the report has been submitted.
“The complaint concerns above all Messi’s tackle, which in everyone’s opinion deserved a red card,” the source told AFP.
The association also believe that there were additional situations that should have led to expulsions.
– There were also two elbow situations. Both warranted red cards, said the source.
According to AFP, Algeria believe that VAR should have intervened in the controversial situations.
“We’re not saying the Argentine team wasn’t strong, but we can’t remain silent in the face of injustice,” the source said.
“There were three situations that were crystal clear and VAR did not intervene.”
Algeria play their second group match against Jordan Monday, followed by Austria in the final group stage.
