Algeria complains to FIFA about the pardon given to Messi for his expulsion against Argentina.

Scandal erupts at the start of the World Cup: Algeria accuses FIFA of turning a blind eye to an aggression by Lionel Messi, who, according to the Algerians, should have been sent off in the first half of the match against Argentina. The Argentine captain not only remained on the field but was also decisive, scoring a hat-trick, further fueling the controversy surrounding the refereeing and raising concerns about VAR, which has faced harsh criticism once again.

The Algerian national team took to the field for their debut in the World Cup determined to cause a surprise, but ended up losing 0-3 to Argentina in a match officiated by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak and his video assistant referee team. The key moment occurred in the 31st minute when Messi, with the score still at 1-0, caught Algerian defender Mandi on the back of the leg with his studs. The incident did not go unnoticed, and a foul was immediately called, but neither a yellow nor a red card was shown to the Inter Miami star. The Algerian players protested in unison, demanding a VAR review, but the officiating team remained steadfast.

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This situation has generated a wave of indignation among players, fans, and Algerian officials, culminating in the filing of a formal complaint to FIFA. For the Algerian Football Federation, the decision had a direct impact on the outcome of the match, as Messi, spared from expulsion, went on to score two more goals and secure victory for the reigning world champions. “We clearly feel wronged. If the rules were applied equally to everyone, the result could have been different,” stated an Algerian official after the final whistle.

The controversy did not end there. In the 74th minute, another incident ignited tempers: Alexis Mac Allister, Liverpool’s midfielder, struck Ibrahim Maza with his elbow, causing Maza to fall, visibly hurt. Once again, neither the referee nor the VAR intervened, leading the Algerian federation to include this incident in the complaint submitted to FIFA. “It was yet another situation where the integrity of the game was at stake,” emphasized the same official, expressing dissatisfaction with the officiating team’s criteria.

The significance of this protest goes beyond the mere sporting result. Algeria accuses FIFA of a lack of impartiality and demands public explanations, warning of the dangers of controversial decisions in high-stakes matches. In a World Cup already marked by several controversial refereeing decisions, this case reignites the debate over the use of VAR and procedural transparency on the grand stages of world football. For the Algerians, the feeling of injustice is compounded by the direct influence these incidents had on the game and the team’s aspirations in the competition.

Lionel Messi, for his part, continues to make history: with a hat-trick against Algeria, he equaled Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cups, with 16 goals. The Argentine international remains in the race to take sole possession of the top spot, but the controversy regarding the potential unpunished expulsion did not go unnoticed. The spotlight also turned to Kylian Mbappé, who has already scored 14 goals and threatens to challenge Messi and Klose’s lead in this edition of the tournament.

In terms of next steps, Algeria is now awaiting a formal response from FIFA regarding its complaint, but it is unlikely that the outcome of the match will be changed. Nevertheless, the incident may force FIFA to review VAR procedures and ensure greater transparency in the communication of on-field decisions, lest the credibility of the competition be severely compromised. For Algeria, the only option is to hold their heads high and prepare for the next match, but the shadow of injustice looms over the team, which promises to continue fighting both on and off the pitch. The controversy has been ignited, and the football world awaits answers — and, who knows, more chapters in this World Cup already shrouded in controversy.

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