2026 FIFA World Cup: Algeria Lodge FIFA Complaint Over Messi’s Challenge on Aissa Mandi
Algeria have formally lodged a complaint with FIFA following what they described as “refereeing injustice” during their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 clash against reigning champions Argentina, with a controversial challenge involving Lionel Messi at the centre of their protest.
According to a source within the Algerian Football Federation, the complaint focuses primarily on an incident in the 30th minute of Tuesday’s Group J encounter when Messi appeared to catch defender Aissa Mandi on the calf with a studs-up challenge from behind.
The Argentine captain escaped punishment from the referee and was not even shown a yellow card. Messi had already opened the scoring for Argentina and later went on to produce a stunning hat-trick as the world champions secured victory.
The North Africans believe the officiating decisions had a significant impact on the outcome of the match and are particularly frustrated that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not intervene in any of the controversial moments..”
The controversy has overshadowed an otherwise historic evening for Lionel Messi. His hat-trick saw him draw level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals.
Algeria, meanwhile, are eager to put the disappointment behind them as they continue their Group J campaign. They face Jordan on Monday before concluding the group stage against Austria on June 27.
The Desert Foxes are hoping to reach the World Cup knockout stages for only the second time in their history, having previously advanced to the last 16 at the 2014 tournament, where they were eliminated after extra time by eventual champions Germany.
