Algeria have filed a formal complaint with FIFA regarding what they describe as "refereeing injustice" during their opening 2026 World Cup match against Argentina, with particular focus on a challenge by Lionel Messi that went unpunished. An Algerian football federation source confirmed the complaint to AFP on Friday.
Messi Challenge Sparks Controversy
The incident occurred in the 30th minute of Tuesday's Group J match at Kansas City Stadium, when Messi caught Algeria defender Aissa Mandi on the calf with a studs-up challenge from behind. Despite the severity of the tackle, the referee did not issue a yellow or red card. Messi, who had already given Argentina the lead, went on to score a hat-trick in the 3-0 victory.
"The complaint primarily concerns Messi's challenge, which deserved a red card, in everyone's opinion," the federation source told AFP. "There were also two elbow incidents... Both of which warranted dismissals."
Algeria Seeks Accountability
The source emphasized that the complaint is not about questioning Argentina's strength but about addressing clear officiating errors. "We are not saying that the Argentine team was not strong, but we cannot remain silent in the face of injustice. There were three incidents that were crystal clear, and VAR did not intervene," the source added.
Messi's hat-trick tied the all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, previously held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose.
Algeria's World Cup Campaign
Algeria are aiming to reach the knockout phase for only the second time in their history, following a last-16 exit in 2014 when they lost to eventual champions Germany in extra time. They face Jordan in their second Group J match on Monday, before concluding the group stage against Austria on June 27.
