ALGIERS: Algeria has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA’s referees committee following its 0–3 defeat to Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026, raising concerns over officiating decisions during the match.
The complaint reportedly highlights several incidents from the first half, including an alleged challenge involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi, during which Algeria claims Messi made contact with captain Aïssa Mandi’s leg. The referee did not issue any disciplinary action.
Algerian players and supporters had called for a review of the incident at the time, but officials allowed play to continue.
Messi later went on to score a hat-trick, playing a decisive role in Argentina’s dominant win.
Analysts also questioned the refereeing decisions after the match, particularly the absence of a red card for what they described as a potentially serious foul.
The complaint further references another incident involving Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who is accused of striking Ibrahim Maza in the face with an elbow. No action was taken by match officials on that play either.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media, with some users questioning whether Messi’s global stature influenced refereeing decisions.