With a magical performance in Argentina's World Cup opener, Lionel Messi amazed the entire world. Everyone except the Algerians, who were left with a bitter sense of injustice after the captain of the world champions knocked them out with a hat-trick. As a result, the North African nation officially sent a letter to FIFA's Referees Committee expressing dissatisfaction with the officiating in the Group J clash against the defending champions, focusing in particular on one incident — that Messi foul. Just three days after scoring the first hat-trick of the tournament, Messi is once again at the center of attention, though this time not because of his brilliance. According to the Algerian camp, he should have been punished for a challenge they viewed as reckless and potentially dangerous. The African side lodged a formal protest, frustrated that Argentina's captain escaped without even a booking.No hay forma de que esto no sea roja.Hasta el propio Messi se dio cuenta de la macana que se mandó.Ni amarilla le sacaron.pic.twitter.com/H2GEr5zk1z— Alejandro Etcheverry (@UruAlejandro) June 17, 2026 The incident that sparked outrage across North Africa occurred just after the half-hour mark, with Argentina leading 1-0 and the outcome still far from decided. In the heat of battle, Messi lunged into a challenge on Algeria captain Aïssa Mandi and stepped on his calf. However, referee Szymon Marciniak kept his cards in his pocket. According to the Desert Foxes, that should never have happened. Messi remained on the pitch and went on to complete his hat-trick in the second half. Nor was it the only controversial moment, at least from Algeria's perspective. The Desert Foxes also pointed to an incident in which Alexis Mac Allister allegedly floored Ibrahim Maza with an elbow. The Liverpool midfielder was not booked, and Marciniak did not even stop play.🎥 Ibrahim Maza s'est fait littéralement découper en plein match par un défenseur argentin ! Une charge ultra-violente et ultra-dangereuse qui a laissé tout le monde sans voix. pic.twitter.com/3SueAX3MFJ— l'Algérie aujourdhui (@AlgAujourdhui) June 19, 2026 The refereeing controversy has opened a Pandora's box and reignited debate over whether football's biggest stars receive special treatment on the sport's grandest stage. Fans around the world have argued on social media about whether another player would have seen red for the challenge on Mandi. One of those asking the same question was South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who cited Messi's apparent "immunity" while protesting the three-match suspension handed to his midfielder Themba Zwane."When I see what happened with Messi, of course I disagree with what happened to my player," said a frustrated Broos.Magical Messi hat-trick fires Argentina past AlgeriaThe Belgian coach then analyzed the incident involving Zwane against Mexico, arguing that his player had merely attempted to jump over an opponent who blocked his path and accidentally caught him with his arm on the shoulder. For that challenge, Zwane was shown a straight red card."I'm sorry, but that's far too harsh. I don't want Messi to be sent off — players like him belong on the pitch. But tell me, what was the difference between his challenge and what Zwane did?" Broos asked rhetorically.WORLD CUP – GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)Group ESaturday 20.06.23.00: (1.58) Germany (4.00) Ivory Coast (5.90) Sunday 21.06.03.00: (1.12) Ecuador (9.50) Curacao (19.0) Group FSaturday 20.06.20.00: (1.72) Netherlands (3.60) Sweden (5.30) Sunday 21.06.07.00: (6.50) Tunisia (3.60) Japan (1.60) Group GSunday 21.06.22.00: (1.48) Belgium (4.20) Iran (7.25)
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