World Cup 2026: Referee slammed for not sending off Messi against Algeria

Former footballer and football analyst Alejandro Moreno has criticised the officiating in Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup clash against Algeria, insisting that captain Lionel Messi should have been shown a red card for a dangerous tackle during the match.

Messi was the star of the game, scoring all three goals as Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria. However, the result was overshadowed by controversy following an incident involving the Argentine captain in the first half.

The incident occurred around the 30th minute when Messi challenged Algerian defender Aissa Mandi for the ball. Replays appeared to show the Argentine forward making contact with Mandi’s calf with his studs, leaving the defender in visible pain on the ground.

Despite protests from some players and fans, referee Szymon Marciniak allowed play to continue and did not issue any disciplinary sanction against Messi. The decision immediately sparked debate among football supporters and pundits, many of whom questioned whether the challenge deserved further review.

Speaking on ESPN after the match, Moreno described the tackle as dangerous and said Messi was fortunate to remain on the pitch.

According to him, the challenge met the criteria for serious foul play and should have resulted in a straight red card. He also questioned why the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene and recommend an on-field review.

Moreno argued that football’s biggest stars sometimes benefit from favourable decisions, adding that such incidents fuel claims of inconsistency in officiating at major tournaments.

“It should have been a red card for Lionel Messi,” Moreno said. “When you look at the replay, it is a bad challenge. The referee should have been called over to review the incident.”

The former footballer further pointed to television footage showing FIFA president Gianni Infantino reacting during the game, saying it contributes to the perception that elite players receive special treatment because of their status in world football.

The controversial moment has continued to generate reactions across the football community, with supporters divided over whether the referee made the correct call.

While some believe the challenge deserved only a warning, others agree with Moreno that Argentina could have been reduced to ten men.

Regardless of the controversy, Messi went on to dominate the match, scoring twice in the second half to complete his hat-trick and help Argentina secure all three points.

The victory strengthened Argentina’s position in the tournament and further highlighted Messi’s influence on the team despite being 38 years old.

The debate surrounding the challenge is likely to continue in the coming days, with many football observers expected to analyse both the referee’s decision and VAR’s failure to review the incident.